“The Wind River Visitors Council (WRVC) is thrilled to release its first Annual Report. In order to keep Wind River Country’s busy summer months intact, the report is based on the 2021 calendar year, instead of the WRVC’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
As you’ll notice, 2021 was a record-breaking year for lodging tax revenue, which came in at
$967,976.25. $233,650.92 was distributed back to Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton and Shoshoni in the form of Tourism Asset Development (TAD) funds, which were used for numerous projects in each community.
While the past couple of years has presented unique challenges around the world, Wind River Country’s community members have continued to provide wonderful experiences to those who go beyond Yellowstone to Wind River Country. Thank you for everything that you do for our visitors. I’d also like to thank the Wind River Visitors Council’s staff and Board of Directors, as well as our partners throughout Wind River Country and all of Wyoming.”
Helen Wilson, Executive Director
Wind River Visitors Council
TOURISM ASSET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (TAD):
The purpose of the TAD program is to provide financial support to communities through the Fremont County lodging tax. The TAD program is a voluntary program that is unique to Wind River Country. The Wind River Visitors Council distributes 25 percent of the local lodging tax back to the communities in the percentage that they contribute to the lodging tax. Each community utilizes these funds to help them grow their tourism economy by investing in new or expanding existing, tourism-related services, events, improvements, signage, facilities, attractions, points of interest and promotional activities. The goal is to increase visitor spending by encouraging visitors to stay longer in Wind River Country.
TAD Distributions in 2021:
Dubois
Hudson
Lander
Riverton
Shoshoni
TOTAL TAD Distributions in 2021:
$82,018.69
$4,000
$67,909.04
$71,723.19
$8,000
$233,650.92
10 HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021:
In addition to marketing to local, state, national and international audiences, the Wind River Visitors Council has also been involved in lots of projects. 10 of these are highlighted below.
- Digital signs in Dubois, Lander and Shoshoni
- Working toward Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community designations for Dubois and Lander-South Pass City
- The New Fly Fisher documentary featuring Boysen Reservoir and the C&E Hunt Club (Riverton)
- The development of crisis communication and a COVID safety plan
- Backcountry Discovery Routes
- Expansion on the TravelStorys Wind River Indian Reservation Audio Tour to add 10 Northern Arapaho locations to the existing 10 Eastern Shoshone locations
- A workforce recruitment campaign
- A motorcoach familiarization (FAM) tour
- “Welcome Back” videos featuring Dubois, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, South Pass City and all of Fremont County
- A digital display at Central Wyoming Regional Airport
Fun Fact!
Fremont County jobs supported by tourism = 1,577
For the full report, click here.
Wyoming’s best adventure starts in Wind River Country! Visit our website for things to do, where to stay, trip planning, events, destinations and more!
