September 19, 2024 |
Photo – A vacation guide for Carbon County – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Carbon County Visitors Council is preparing a survey, asking Saratoga residents for suggestions on ways to improve tourism to the town. During Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Carbon County Visitors Council board member Ellie Dana explained that the organization met in Medicine Bow yesterday to finalize a county-wide tourism survey. After beginning the survey, Dana said applicants will be directed to questions specifically related to their community.
Using Saratoga as an example, Dana said the survey will ask residents what local attractions they believe need directional signage. At the end of the survey, applicants may choose to take part in the review committee.
Dana said posters advertising the Visitor’s Council survey will be distributed around Saratoga. A scannable QR code will allow more tech savvy residents to take the survey on their phones. Physical copies of the survey will be available for those who prefer a traditional paper version.
Dana said the survey will be advertised online and through local media outlets. The Visitor’s Council member said community participation is crucial to obtaining accurate information. For example, Dana said only 43 residents participated in the recently completed Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan. Of the roughly 1,000 residents old enough to participate, Dana said at least 100 need to take the survey.
If the advertising campaign fails to generate enough survey participation, Dana jokingly proposed having a Visitor’s Council member say something outrageous, referencing her suggestion from last month to change Saratoga’s town motto.
Dana said a wide range of opinions are needed on the survey to ensure the Carbon County Visitor’s Council spends state money properly.
In 2020, the Wyoming Office of Tourism created the Destination Development Program to provide funding to help support tourism and economic growth across the state. Dana said the Wyoming Office of Tourism provides millions of dollars for tourism-related projects.
With a completed tourism survey, Dana said the Carbon County Visitors Council can participate in the next round of Destination Development grants in July of 2026. Having a cohesive set of project goals will make Saratoga more likely to receive state funding.
One suggestion that will be on the upcoming Visitor’s Council survey is the installation of signs directing people to local points of interest, such as the Hobo Hot Springs and the local dog park. Dana said her personal opinion is for the town to use the Destination Development grant to also improve access to the hot springs and Veteran’s Island.
