Tourism Keeps the Lights On for the People and Places We Rely On

Did you know that hospitality and tourism is Wyoming’s second largest industry? Millions of visitors from all over the world travel here to experience our parks, outdoor recreation, history, arts and culture, and Natrona County plays host to hundreds of thousands of those visitors throughout the year. Those visitors, and the money that they spend right here in Natrona County, play a vital role in keeping the lights on for all the people and places our community relies on. 

Let’s Look at the Numbers

In 2025, Natrona County welcomed 824,000 overnight visitors who spent $376.9 million. That $376.9 million in direct visitor spending powered 3,000 full- and part-time jobs across restaurants, museums, local shops, attractions, outdoor recreational facilities, event venues, and more. Tourist spending also contributed $19.2 million in state and local taxes. If we lost those tourists and their dollars, each Natrona County household would have to write a check for $565 to make up that $19.2 million in taxes. (Data provided by the Wyoming Office of Tourism 2025 Dean Runyan Report.)

Why Does This Matter?

When people come to Natrona County — whether for a fishing trip, a sports tournament, a family vacation, or a major event — they leave more than memories behind. They leave economic impact that benefits us all. Every meal in a restaurant, every night in a hotel, every ticket purchased at an event supports local jobs, strengthens our economy, and generates lodging tax dollars that fund everything from destination marketing to sports event and festival sponsorships; those visitor expenditures also generate the sales tax mentioned above, which is a critical funding source for local governments providing essential local services such as fire, police and emergency medical services that we all rely on.

In fact, tourism helps power the very things residents and visitors alike enjoy: vibrant downtown businesses, outdoor recreation access, cultural attractions, and community events. Simply put, when travelers choose Casper, they help keep our community moving forward.

What is Lodging Tax?

Lodging tax is a tax that’s charged and collected at hotels, motels, and rental properties. Wyoming has a 5% state-wide lodging tax that was implemented by the state legislature in 2020. 3% of the funds that are collected through that tax go to the Wyoming Office of Tourism and are used to market the entire state of Wyoming. The remaining 2% stays in the county where it’s collected. Additionally, in Natrona County, we have a 2% lodging tax that’s voted on every four years, bringing the total lodging tax in Natrona County to 7%. The funds that are collected within Natrona County are managed by Visit Casper, and are used to promote our local businesses, events, and attractions to visitors. The Natrona County Lodging Tax will be on the ballot at the upcoming general election on November 3rd. 

What’s the Takeaway?

Tourism isn’t just about visitors. It’s about community. Over the next several weeks, you’ll be seeing articles that highlight the Natrona County Faces of Tourism, locals that live and work here, as they share their stories of how they are directly impacted by tourism. Whether they work in the industry or just love the amenities that Natrona County has because of it, their stories all point to the same truth: Tourism touches all of us.

It helps keep small businesses open year-round. It supports jobs for our friends and neighbors. It funds events, attractions, and experiences that make Natrona County a great place to live, not just visit.

So, the next time you see a full parking lot downtown, a busy restaurant, or out-of-state plates at a trailhead or hotel, remember that those visitors are doing more than passing through. They’re helping keep the lights on for the people and places we rely on.