Lodging tax receipts see small dip

During Tuesday’s meeting of Hot Springs Travel and Tourism, Director Amanda Moeller reported a small decrease in the fiscal year 2018-19 lodging tax receipts compared to the FY 2017-18. According to the receipts, the current fiscal year total for September was $19,917.98, compared to the $20,092.93 the previous year, a decrease of $174.95 or one percent.

Overall, receipts are down 11 percent for the fiscal year, and Moeller didn’t know how to predict the rest of the year. It should be noted that the receipt numbers received in September reflect receipts for July, and Moeller recalled July of 2017 was a bit rough in preparation of everyone travelling in August for the eclipse. With no eclipse this year, she said, they will have to wait and see how things turn out.

Moeller also reported that the thermopolis.com website was hacked recently, and expressed great appreciation to Nadja Cavin for spotting it and her work in resolving the situation and getting new security for the site.

Moeller noted she will be on vacation from Oct. 15 until Nov. 6, so the regular October meeting was moved to Nov. 20.

The board also discussed various advertising options available to them, in Wyoming and outside the state.