Lodging tax receipts see huge increase

Though there were not enough Travel and Tourism board members present to constitute and quorum for an official meeting on Tuesday, Director Amanda Moeller presented some incredible numbers for lodging tax receipts.

According to the information for the fiscal year 2017-18, receipts for last month were $15,997.24, a $4,891.05 or 44 percent increase over the receipts from the same time last year. Continuing that trend, the receipts for current month are $25,734.17, an increase of $9,937.99 or 63 percent over last year.

With the two significant increases, it means the year-to-date receipts are up 55 percent from last year.

Moeller pointed out this was the first month she’s seen receipts from East Thermopolis and Kirby, likely from vacation rentals. She encourages those with vacation rentals available to email her at tourism@thermopolis.com

Moeller also reported the key chains for the annual Keys to the City campaign have been ordered, with plans to begin the event Oct. 1 Through the campaign, visitors who stay at participating hotels receive key chains that can get them discounts at local businesses.