Parker talks on summer tourism

Sheridan County Travel and Tourism Executive Director Shawn Parker is optimistic in spite of the list of troubles the Cowboy State and the tourism industry faced this summer season. But he has good reasons. 

In his latest report, Sept. 1, 2022 Local Travel & Tourism Industry Update, Parker reports that despite problems such as the flooding of Yellowstone National Park, historic inflation, rising fuel prices and other issues, many events both big and small were within “shouting distance” of record numbers. 

Parker reports that a quick look at hotel occupancy this summer shows good numbers and a much more positive outlook on the tourism industry in Sheridan County than originally anticipated. 

In the report, hotel and motel occupancy for May – June in Sheridan County are compared to Campbell, Park, and Teton Counties, as well as the rest of the state.

May: Sheridan 60.1%, Campbell 55.1%, Park 53.7%, Teton 54.4%, Wyoming 57.8%

June: Sheridan 68.7%, Campbell 61.3%, Park 65.4%, Teton 63.7%, Wyoming 67%

July: Sheridan 68.9%, Campbell 61.9%, Park 69.8%, Teton 75%, Wyoming 68.3%

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Parker explained one of the goals of Sheridan County Travel and Tourism is to not only attract visitors but to provide them with information of the many attractions, shopping and adventures the Sheridan region has to offer, tempting them to stay for longer periods. 

Parker and his team have recently launched Season 2 of The Backyard, a series developed by Sheridan County Travel and Tourism which highlights the many attractions and people of the Sheridan region. The premiere, featuring the Forever West Songwriter Festival, has been watched over 22,000 times since the launch. 

Find a link to The Backyard, here.