With hospitality and tourism being Wyoming’s second-largest economic driver, the impact it has on Natrona County is felt by everyone in our community. From helping fund police, fire and EMS to supporting the variety of outdoor and indoor attractions that we’re lucky to have here, tourism plays an important role in all of our lives. That’s why several community members have stepped up as representatives of the industry, to become the Natrona County Faces of Tourism and share, in their own words, why tourism matters to them.
From museum directors and hotel sales managers to small business owners and event planners, these are the people whose livelihoods and passions are directly connected to a thriving visitor economy. They know that tourism isn’t just about welcoming guests, it’s about strengthening our community. Every visitor who books a hotel room, attends an event, or dines at a local restaurant helps sustain jobs, support small businesses, and keep the lights on for the people and places we rely on.
Allison Maluchnik – Executive Director at the Nicolaysen Art Museum
When asked how a robust but sustainable tourism economy affected her livelihood, Allison stated that “the Nicolaysen Art Museum is the only contemporary art museum in Wyoming and that it draws visitors from all over the world. Not only does tourism support our museum with admissions, donations, and exposure through social media, it also supports Wyoming artists.” If tourism and visitation to the area radically dropped, Allison stresses that Natrona County would look like a ghost town, with less money to support our local economy and less activities for families living here to enjoy.
Sarah Bradley – Director of Events at David Street Station
As someone who grew up in Casper, Sarah has seen firsthand how the growth of our tourism and hospitality industry has changed the community for the better, and that the wide variety of events and experiences that Casper offers for all ages has enriched our community and played a role in helping create lasting memories for her and her family. For her, if tourism and visitation to the area were to radically drop, she explained that, “Without tourism, our sponsors may feel less compelled and/or able to support our events, thus making us not able to put them on anymore. Additionally, the tourism and hospitality industry directly supports many of the vendors, entertainers, and organizations that we rely on and partner with. Losing this industry would be harmful for those partners and businesses and affect what we would be capable of doing.”
The Takeaways
Tourism in Natrona County is more than an economic driver; it’s a foundational piece of what makes our community vibrant, connected, and sustainable. A thriving tourism industry helps fund the experiences and amenities that residents enjoy every day, from cultural institutions and public spaces to community events that bring people together. Just as importantly, it provides stability for the people and organizations who make Casper a dynamic place to live, work, and visit. Ultimately, tourism isn’t just about attracting visitors; it’s about investing in ourselves and our community. Learn more at visitcasper.com/tourism-keeps-the-lights-on/.
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