In 2024, the travel and tourism industry injected a substantial $464 million into Laramie County’s economy, supporting the creation of over 3,900 jobs. This economic surge underscores the pivotal role tourism plays in the county, contributing to local business growth, job creation, and increased tax revenue for both local and state governments. The rise in visitor spending not only strengthened key sectors but also enhanced the county’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest. As tourism continues to thrive, it becomes increasingly clear that it is a cornerstone of Laramie County’s economic resilience, driving both immediate financial benefits and long-term community vitality.

In 2024, tourism emerged as a key driver of Laramie County’s economy, with visitors spending close to $464 million and helping to sustain more than 3,900 local jobs. A recent economic report highlights the significant impact of the travel industry, both in Laramie County and across Wyoming, showcasing its crucial role in job creation, business growth, and tax revenue generation.

Laramie County’s Economic Impact

In 2024, Laramie County experienced direct travel spending of $463.9 million, reflecting a modest 0.2% rise from $462.9 million in 2023. Although total visitor spending decreased slightly by 0.1% to $388 million, other travel-related expenses saw a positive increase of 1.9%, totaling $75.9 million. These increases reflect the growing importance of tourism to the county’s economy.

In 2024, travel expenditures directly supported 3,930 jobs, marking a 1.3% increase from 3,880 jobs in 2023. This highlights the ongoing importance of tourism as a key employment sector in the county, making up 6.5% of all jobs. Furthermore, direct income for workers and businesses in Laramie County reached $128.6 million, up 1.5% from $126.7 million in the prior year, accounting for 3.5% of the county’s total earnings.

Tourism made a substantial impact on tax revenues as well. In 2024, travel-related taxes brought in $46.8 million for local and state governments, reflecting a 2.8% increase from $45.5 million in 2023. Local tax revenue saw a rise of 4.9%, while state tax revenue grew by 1.5%. This translated into an average tax savings of $1,040 per household in Laramie County, thanks to the contributions from tourism.

Overnight visitors to the county totaled 1.13 million in 2024, slightly down from 1.13 million in 2023. Despite this small decline in visitor volume, the economic contributions of tourism remained significant for the county.

Tourism’s Contribution to Local Growth

Tourism in Laramie County has far-reaching effects, supporting both job creation and business activity. In addition to attracting visitors, the tourism sector also plays a key role in making the county an attractive place to live and work. The positive economic cycle between tourism and other industries boosts the quality of life and strengthens local businesses, creating a resilient and thriving community.

Wyoming’s Statewide Tourism Impact

Tourism helped sustain 33,850 jobs across Wyoming in 2024, reflecting a 1.3% growth from the 33,410 jobs supported the previous year. When adjusted for inflation, spending increased by 1.9%, or $91.9 million, underscoring the enduring strength of the tourism industry.

In 2024, tourism supported 33,850 jobs statewide, marking a 1.3% increase from the 33,410 jobs supported in 2023. This indicates that for every $1 million spent on tourism, approximately seven jobs are created, with the tourism industry accounting for 7.5% of total employment in Wyoming. Additionally, the direct earnings generated by tourism in Wyoming increased by 5.6%, reaching $1.4 billion in 2024, compared to $1.3 billion in 2023. The bulk of these earnings was driven by accommodations and food services, which accounted for $807.5 million, representing 56.7% of the total revenue.

In 2024, tourism played a crucial role in generating tax revenue for Wyoming, contributing $277.2 million. This marked a 4.3% increase from $265.7 million in 2023. Local tax revenue grew by 3.5%, reaching $113.4 million, while state tax revenue saw a 4.9% rise, totaling $163.8 million. Sales tax made up approximately 57.3% of the total tax revenue generated by tourism in the state.

In 2024, Wyoming hosted 8.7 million visitors, with the majority of spending driven by tourists from outside the state. Around 75% of the total visitor spending came from out-of-state travelers, highlighting the vital role of attracting guests from beyond Wyoming’s borders.

Tourism as Wyoming’s Fourth-Largest Export Industry

Tourism remains a vital contributor to Wyoming’s economy, ranking as the state’s fourth-largest export-driven industry. In 2024, tourism generated outside revenue that bolstered other essential sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Visitors to Wyoming contribute to a wide range of industries, helping to maintain a diverse and resilient economy across all 23 counties in the state.

Tourism’s benefits extend beyond immediate financial gains. Each visitor helps support industries from hospitality to retail, and by boosting the local economy, tourism also enhances the quality of life for residents. With growing interest in Wyoming’s natural beauty, history, and cultural attractions, tourism will likely remain a vital driver of economic activity for years to come.

In 2024, Laramie County’s tourism industry generated $464 million in visitor spending, supporting over 3,900 jobs and driving significant economic growth. This boost highlights tourism’s essential role in strengthening local businesses, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue, making it a key driver of the county’s economic vitality.

The 2024 economic report underscores the importance of tourism to both Laramie County and the entire state of Wyoming. With increased spending, job creation, and tax revenue generation, the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy. As the state continues to draw visitors, the travel industry will keep fueling economic growth, benefiting local communities and supporting the state’s long-term prosperity.

The estimates provided in the report are based on available data and may be updated as more comprehensive information becomes accessible.

The post US Laramie County Benefits Significantly From Four Hundred Sixty-Four Million Dollars In Tourism Revenue, Generating Thousands Of Jobs And Economic Growth In 2024 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.