Cowboy State Records Strong Summer Tourism Numbers

Wyoming tourism officials say increased advertising and promotional efforts are paying off.

"We've had a very strong summer tourism season here in Laramie County," said Darren Rudloff, Executive Director of Visit Cheyenne. "Right now for the summer months, lodging tax collections are up about 6% over the same period last year. Our trolley numbers are slightly up."

Rudloff says the increase is very positive.

"Being up over last year or being equal to last year is very important because 2014 was a really great year as well," said Rudloff.

Rudloff says lower gas prices, an improved national economy and a summer free of major fires and floods in the Rocky Mountain region also helped drive tourism numbers up.

"The I-25 Welcome Center had 3.7% higher visitation this summer. Of course, Frontier Days was up 6%," said Rudloff. "Overall, things are looking very positive for the summer."

July's record-breaking 980,000 recreational visitors at Yellowstone National Park also contributed to summer tourism.