Travel and Tourism reports another record-breaking month in lodging tax revenue

At the September 29 Hot Springs County Travel and Tourism meeting held at the County Museum, in the financial report, Treasurer Audra Dominguez reported and said they had another record-breaking month in receiving lodging tax revenue, now being five months in a row. 

August brought in $33,734.00 with a historical average of $29,014.64. This amount is 41% greater than the previous year in the same month. This amount combines revenue within Thermopolis at $22,469.93 and Hot Springs County $6,544.72. Within the city limits is 77.44% of the total. 

They spent $3,515.30 in CARES Act 2021 money, the amount remaining is $47,524.70. The money market account of the board reported being $123,558.83. The board voted to accept the financial report.

Tourism Director Jackie Dorothy gave her report and said, “Our numbers continue to be record breaking and now, as we head into October, we will be doing a big push for a winter campaign.”

Dorothy also said, “I met with county commissioners and town council to update them on our hotel numbers and the way we are using the lodging tax funds. I am on the agenda again for the county commissioners to answer any questions and to be on hand when they formally appoint Matt Hugh’s replacement.”

Dorothy added, “The Tourism Director in Sheridan is proposing a ‘tourism district’ which has passed through committee to be considered in the 2022 legislative session. It’s something we will be keeping an eye on to see how it affects us in Thermopolis.”

In new business, the tourism board voted and accepted the resignation of board member Bob Roos. They also voted to accept their accountant’s Lodging Tax F32 report.

For the tourism board’s opening, Dorothy reported that the county commissioners decided to appoint Heather Hayes. This will be formally voted on at the commissioner’s next meeting. Dorothy said “Hayes qualifies because she works with the PRCA rodeo organization, which counts as being part of tourism.”

Regarding Bob Roos’ resignation and opening, they will have to advertise it first before filling it. Roos’ opening is at an at-large position. The Town of Thermopolis, Hot Springs County and East Thermopolis are all working together to fill this position. 

Dorothy said she received an email from the Wyoming Office of Tourism. They are requesting to have reporting done of the CARES Act money for the first and second quarters of 2021. 

October 20-21 will be the Fall Summit in Sheridan. The summit is geared toward giving tourism legislative updates and providing information and networking. Governor Mark Gordon will be attending.

Because of this event, there will not be a Travel and Tourism board meeting in October, so they can attend the Fall Summit.

The tourism board also voted and approved purchasing tickets for the October 16 Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Sherman Skelton was present at the meeting to present his thoughts about new developments in the Airbnb world. See the related story on page B4 for his comments.