Tourism Talk: The latest news from the Wyoming Office of Tourism

Your newsletter for things that are happening in the tourism and hospitality industry throughout the state.

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Wyoming Office of Tourism wins HSMAI Adrian awards.

The Wyoming Office of Tourism’s WY Responsibly campaign took home the gold and platinum HSMAI Adrian awards in the corporate responsibility category at this year. To add to the celebration the Yellowstone flooding recovery efforts received a silver award as well. For 65 years the Adrian Awards have honored excellence in travel marketing. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth.

Governor's Convention Recap

Thanks to everyone that braved the weather to attend the 2023 Wyoming Governor's Hospitality and Tourism Convention. This year's convention brought many new additions including the Educational Foundation's ProStart Competition, new branding and a fresh schedule. As an event dedicated to celebrating and educating attendees on Wyoming's industry, the convention offered many educational sessions covering national trends, marketing best practices, hospitality laws, partnership opportunities; we even learned how to innovate like a rap star! If you haven't done so already, please be sure to take the survey that was sent to your registration email. Your feedback ensures we provide the best convention experience and learning opportunities to keep the hospitality and tourism industry strong!

Watch the recap Video Here

Mexico Sales Mission

Our office attended the first Brand USA, in-market, Mission since COVID-19. This event took place in Mexico and allowed us to meet with 40 Tour Operators in a one-on-one setting, more than 200 travel agents in an intensive presentation format, and 11 one-on-one appointments with vetted media from around the country. The mission took us to Mexico City and Guadalajara, each allowing for plenty of opportunities to spread Wyoming news and highlight our many destinations and attractions.

IITA

The Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) just finished participating in the International Inbound Travel Association Summit Feb 12-15, 2023. This event consists of a high, level one-on-one appointment marketplace for inbound tour operators and U.S. Suppliers to plan travel for international visitors. During this year’s marketplace, WOT conducted 26 appointments over the two days of meetings. The appointments yielded many questions about new products around the state as well as discussions on reinstating some of those relationships with previously listed accommodation and activity partners. The international markets have maintained a strong interest in visiting the US and Wyoming and most operators are expecting substantial increases over the next few months.

The Summit also provides a variety of educational sessions on topics that are impacting the industry that will help shape international strategies for the coming year. Some of the main themes this year were: Rebuilding Relationships with the International Partners, Reshaping Inbound Travel Distribution, and America’s National Parks: Managing Visitation for Sustainability.

ABA Recap

The Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) just recently returned from ABA Marketplace, which was held in Detroit Feb 4th-8th. WOT met with 32 tour operators to discuss their current itineraries, future itineraries, along with new and unique experiences for their groups. A great interest in western heritage and experiences continues to position Wyoming as a desired destination, especially when combined with our National Parks. One other new trend that is starting to emerge is more active groups traveling, allowing WOT to promote some incredible outdoor experiences.

WOT was joined at ABA Marketplace by Visit Cheyenne, Carbon County Visitor Council, Park County Travel Council and Sweetwater Travel and Tourism. ABA Marketplace is an appointment-based show for Motorcoach and Tour Operators and Travel Industry Suppliers who want to expand their group tour & travel business.

Wyoming Itinerary Guide

The Wyoming Office of Tourism is excited to be working with Leisure Group Travel to produce our second Wyoming Itinerary Guide geared toward the Group Travel Market. This guide will be printed and available in August. The current guide has become a great resource for groups looking for unique experiences in Wyoming and more importantly how to package a particular area together. There are a few co-ops available for destinations that would like to participate in the guide. Please contact Amy at amy.larsen@wyo.gov for more information.

Check out last year’s guide here

Media & Press Summary: January 2023

Please note the ‘Top Media Placements’ and ‘Earned Media’ include coverage that is a direct result of the Wyoming Office of Tourism’s (WOT) efforts, while “Wyoming in the News” is coverage that cannot be directly tracked back to the PR program.

January 2023

*This includes domestic media coverage only

Reach: 505,948,669

Placements: 35

International Year-to-Date Coverage
Reach: 605,474,131
Total Placements: 203

Fiscal Year-to-Date

*Domestic media coverage through Month YYYY and international media coverage through Month YYYY

Reach: 7,639,400,697

Placements: 369

Top Media Placements

The visiting journalist program continued to reap rewards in January with a wonderfully descriptive piece from Tribune Services freelance writer Marlise Kast, who visited Wyoming in September 2022. “Getting Roped in by Wyoming” evoked Wyoming wanderlust, as she recounted her adventures exploring Sheridan, Buffalo, Dayton and Gillette, and detailed the state’s impressive beauty, experiences and people. The story was syndicated to 18 additional outlets with a total reach of over 24 million.

Cody, Wyoming was named one of the “20 Most Beautiful Towns in the United States” by Carrie Dennis for her Travel + Leisure story. Once again, the Wyoming Office of Tourism’s Piper Singer was quoted and this time on her knowledge of Buffalo Bill Cody. Piper commented that Buffalo Bill “was so impressed with the scenery, farming, and hunting opportunities, as well as its proximity to Yellowstone, that he started up the town we know today as Cody,” and that “you can still see, feel and experience that Western vibe that began so many years ago” in the modern day downtown of the Rodeo Capital of the World.

In other news, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis and Granite Falls Hot Springs in Jackson were included in the “12 Hot Springs in the West to Visit” roundup for Deseret News, while 3 Spear Ranch in Dubois was chosen as a top wedding venue in The Knot’s “Guide to Wedding Destinations in the American West.” The property was praised for an Old Western film ambience and for its remarkable nuptial offerings. Finally, Snow King Mountain in Jackson was named as one of “8 Cool Mountain Getaways in the US” by Trivago, with writer Jenny Wilden commending the resort for its breathtaking views of the Teton, small lines and crowds, and exhilarating activities.

Full January Media Report

Update Your Listing for 2023

Do you have a new address? Or maybe a new experience at your location. Don’t forget to add it into your listing and update your events. Make sure you have the latest information displayed for visitors looking at our website or as we create the next travel guide.

Update Listing Here

Congratulations to the following WOT Staff who celebrated work anniversaries in the month of February.

Kristy Simola

Business Services & Accounting Sr. Coordinator, 3 years.

Haley Freeman

Brand Integration Production Sr. Coordinator, 3 years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Amy Larsen

Industry Relations Manager

Email Amy