Back to publications
Tourism holds on in July
Officials optimistic about AugustThe Sheridan Press, August 2, 2001
By Heather Evagelatos, Staff reporter
Reprinted with permission
July tourism numbers remained steady, despite earlier state predictions that the summer industry would be soft.
"We feel real upbeat about tourism in July," said Penny Becker, executive director of the Sheridan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It was a little slow getting started, but there were so many events to draw people here." Judy Taylor of the Best Western Sheridan Center said reunions and traveling groups have filled the hotel and restaurant throughout the past few months.
"It's actually been a pretty good summer," she said. "Our rooms have been full all of July. Everyone decided Wyoming was the place to come for their family reunions this year."
July's Sheridan-WYO Rodeo brought in plenty of overnight visitors, too. Taylor said the addition of the hoop jam to rodeo week enhanced the draw.
"Our rodeo numbers were up. It was really good this year," she said. Retailers, however, said they haven't seen as much business this year. "Overall, wešre seeing some decrease this year," said Carole Perkins, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. "But I think local merchants are optimistic."
Perkins said visitors to the chamber decreased by approximately 2 percent for a total of 900 to 1,000 a day.
"We are the most visited state information center in Wyoming." She attributes the decrease to possible traveler reluctance thanks to a shaky economy and high gas prices.
Becker remains optimistic about August numbers, since the month brings such events as the Sheridan County Fair and the Polo Ranch Cutting Classic.
"That's always a big draw," she said. Taylor also anticipates August tourism to be high.
"August is going to be terrific," she said. "And we're pretty well booked up through September." Becker said tourism numbers in Sheridan continue to climb each year.
"We are becoming more of a destination every day," she said. The bureau's only worry this summer has been the impact of regional forest fires on tourism. "Fires are a concern, but last year we were not as prepared as we are now," Becker said.
To combat fire worries, the bureau has a marketing plan that includes national advertising, featuring ads in Better Homes and Gardens and Mature Outlook magazines with the help of state funding.
International advertising efforts include spots in Real America magazine, which goes to tour groups in five different nations.
"We're really pleased to be reaching that market," Becker said, and added that international visitors to Wyoming have steadily increased over the past few years.
The bureau, however, has focused the majority of marketing efforts on the five states surrounding Wyoming.
"With the gasoline crunch those are our target people, those who can drive into Wyoming," Becker said.
A three-page feature in Colorado Golf magazine will also bring in newcomers, Becker hopes.
"That's really been a boon," she said. "It's a wonderful market for us, especially with our beautiful golf courses."
The bureau has plans for a fall and winter campaign, which will encourage visitors to come to the Sheridan area year-round.
"We try to encourage people to come see us at that time," Becker said.
