Tourism office releases analysis of 2024 economic impact of travel

CHEYENNE (WNE) — The Wyoming Office of Tourism has announced the release of the 2024 Wyoming Economic Impact of Travel analysis amid National Travel and Tourism Week, highlighting the significant value of the visitor economy.

“Each visitor to the state helps fuel essential industries across Wyoming and supports all 23 counties, contributing to vibrant, resilient communities,” said Diane Shober, executive director of the Office of Tourism. “The 2024 results are yet another testament to the vital role the travel and tourism industry serves in building a thriving economy and setting the stage for future generations to prosper.”

Visitor spending, in turn, generates much needed tax revenues that are crucial for supporting important local and state government functions. Additionally, travel and tourism act as a catalyst for growth and innovation in key industries including manufacturing, agriculture and health care .

According to the Economic Impact of Travel analysis, in 2024, the number of visitors remained relatively the same as 2023. Though Wyoming saw approximately the same number of visitors as the previous year, they spent slightly more during their visit, despite lower overall prices in the travel sector.

A few highlights from the 2024 analysis:

• Wyoming welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024.
• These visitors spent $4.9 billion purchasing goods and services while in the state — a 1.6% increase from 2023.
• Visitor spending generated $277.2 million in sales and use tax for local and state governments — a 4.3% increase over 2023.
• Approximately 440 jobs were created as a result of travel spending — a 1.3% increase from the previous year.

This story was published on May 8, 2025.