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    Wind River Visitors Council celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week

    Monday, May 2, 2022—Wind River Country, Wyoming — The Wind River Visitors Council is joining tourism partners from throughout Wyoming and the country to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) and the vital role the tourism industry plays in Fremont County.

    This year’s theme, Future of Travel, will be celebrated May 1 -7, 2022.

    “Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Wyoming and Fremont County,” said Helen Wilson, Executive Director for the Wind River Visitors Council. “2021 was a record-breaking year for lodging tax in Fremont County, and this week gives our industry the chance to highlight and share the expansive benefits of travel and tourism.”

    As part of NTTW, the Wind River Visitors Council and the Riverton Chamber and Visitors Center are hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Thursday, May 5 in the Java Java Espresso parking lot – located at 508 W. Main St. in Riverton – from 4 – 8 p.m. The celebration includes themed beverages from local businesses (including a beverage contest), music, snacks, giveaways and a grand prize. Mayor Gard will also be signing a proclamation to recognize National Travel and Tourism Week. The public is encouraged to attend.

    In 2021, Wyoming welcomed 8.1 million overnight visitors who spent an estimated $4 billion throughout the state. That visitor spend also generated $243 million in local and state taxes, while 30,400 Wyoming jobs were supported by the tourism industry.

    In Wind River Country – which encompasses Fremont County and the Wind River Indian Reservation – the travel and tourism includes lodging accommodations, food and drink, retail shops, guided recreation, fuel and more.

    A few stats for Fremont County:

    • Fremont County had 1,165,590 overnight stays in 2021
    • Travel generated 1,460 jobs in Fremont County
    • Travelers spent $157.8 million in Fremont County in 2021, which generated $9.2 million in state and local taxes
    • Every $100 a visitor spent in Fremont County produced $7 in local and state tax revenues
    • Top origin markets for visitors to Wind River Country include Colorado, Utah, Montana, Texas, California, Washington, Nebraska, Idaho, South Dakota and Arizona

    Both traveler sentiment and travel forecast are holding strong domestically, with 87.6% of Americans having trips planned for the remainder of 2022.

    “Road trips remain a large draw for travelers in 2022,” added Wilson. “We look forward to welcoming travelers to explore Wind River Country as they go beyond Yellowstone National Park.”

    While the organization largely markets Fremont County and the Wind River Indian Reservation, the Wind River Visitors Council also participates in cooperative opportunities with the Wyoming Office of Tourism, supports local businesses and promotes recreating responsibly.

    “NTTW has special significance this year as the travel industry looks ahead to a bright future,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “This NTTW is an opportunity to recognize the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry and how we are rebuilding to be more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive in the months and years to come.”

    Learn more about Wind River Country at WindRiver.org.


    About Wind River Country  

    The Wind River Visitors Council is the designated marketing organization for Fremont County and is responsible for promoting travel and tourism throughout the county. The organization is funded through the lodging tax. Wyoming’s Wind River Country is a destination that includes wide-open spaces, sweeping landscapes, incredible history and the communities of Atlantic City, Dubois, Hudson, Jeffrey City, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, South Pass City and the Wind River Indian Reservation. More information can be found at WindRiver.org or on social media at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as #WindRiverCountry.

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