Over the last several weeks, we’ve shared numbers with you, emphasized the important role tourism plays in supporting thousands of jobs in our community, and stressed the fact that if tourism were to disappear, our community would look very, very different — and not in a good way.
But tourism is about more than statistics on a page. It’s about the people, businesses, and places that help make Natrona County a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. It’s the local restaurant you love, the event you attend every summer, the trails and parks you enjoy on the weekends, and the small businesses that bring character and opportunity to our community year-round.
Tourism helps support the quality of life many of us value every day, often in ways we don’t even realize. So for one last time, we’re sharing statements from the people whose jobs, organizations, and livelihoods are connected to a strong visitor economy — and we’ll let them tell you why tourism matters.
Laura Hunter – Executive Director at ART 321
“At ART 321, many of our gift shop and gallery visitors are people passing through town. Our livelihood is directly tied to tourism. Travelers want to see and purchase handmade art when they explore a new place, and ART 321 is where they find that authentic connection. Tourism keeps artists working, galleries open, and our creative community thriving. When we drive through other Wyoming towns that have dried up after busts, I often wonder, ‘What would have kept this place alive?’ I believe the answer is the things that draw people in and make them want to explore: arts, culture, food, recreation, and community experiences. If tourism disappeared here, so much of what makes Casper vibrant would go quiet, and artists, small businesses, and families would all feel that loss.”
Tammi Chappell – General Manager at the Hyatt Place Casper
“As the General Manager of the new Hyatt Place Casper, I see every day how deeply our community’s livelihood is tied to a strong — but sustainable — tourism economy. Many people think tourism is just hotels and restaurants, but in reality, it touches nearly every corner of our local workforce. Here in Casper, it supports culinary teams, coaches and athletes, transportation services, retail shops, artists, historic sites, event organizers, guides, and so many small family-owned businesses. When visitors come here for sports tournaments, medical travel, meetings, recreation, or simply to explore Wyoming, they are helping hundreds of local people earn a living.
“For me personally, a healthy tourism economy means I can hire local talent, offer stable jobs, build strong partnerships, and provide growth opportunities for people who want to build a career in hospitality. It also allows us to invest in training, elevate guest experiences, and contribute to Casper’s reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination.”
The Takeaways
The tourism and hospitality industry is a powerful economic driver that helps communities like Natrona County grow, thrive, and remain vibrant year-round. As Laura and Tammi shared, tourism supports far more than hotel stays and restaurant visits. It fuels arts and culture, recreation, retail, events, small businesses, and the experiences that make people want to live, work, and invest here.
That’s why this conversation matters, especially as the Natrona County lodging tax will appear on the November ballot. The lodging tax is paid by visitors staying in local accommodations and helps fund destination marketing efforts that attract travelers, events, tournaments, meetings, and tourism spending to our community.
As you consider the future of our community this November, it’s important to remember that tourism isn’t just about visitors — it’s about supporting local jobs, strengthening small businesses, investing in community vitality, and helping preserve the experiences and amenities that make Natrona County such a special place to call home.
Learn more at visitcasper.com/tourism-keeps-the-lights-on/.
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