More Than a Welcome: How Hospitality Powers Wyoming’s Tourism Industry

Wyoming is known across the world for its rugged beauty, wide-open spaces, and unforgettable landscapes. But beyond the mountains and wide-open prairie, it’s the people—ranchers, business owners, outfitters, and front-line staff—who leave the lasting impression on the people who visit here.

 In many ways, our Wyoming hospitality is one of the most powerful tools in our state’s tourism toolkit. The Heart Behind the Experience

Tourism is Wyoming’s second largest industry and the state’s top private employment sector. 

In 2024, nearly 8.8 million visitors spent $4.9 billion here, supporting more than 33,000 jobs (Src: Dean Runyan Associates, Wyoming Office of Tourism). 

But no matter how stunning the views, visitors’ memories often come down to one thing: how they were treated. A single friendly smile, helpful suggestion, or genuine conversation can turn a one-time

tourist into a lifelong fan. Hospitality isn’t just about being polite, it’s about showing pride in our places, communities, and culture.

Wyoming Hospitality: Grit with Heart 

What does hospitality look like in Wyoming? It’s authentic, dynamic, and grounded in our western roots. From dude ranches to downtown diners, people here are known for being genuine, helpful, and welcoming.

 In fact, in a recent 2023 Wyoming Office of Tourism and Future Partners study on visitor profiles in Wyoming, visitors ranked Wyoming higher than neighboring states for having the most inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

One of my favorite definitions of what is Western/Wyoming hospitality came during a recent hospitality training I conducted, when a participant said, “Western hospitality is hospitality with grit.” That sums it up perfectly.

Hospitality Tips That Make a Difference

So how do we demonstrate hospitality? It’s through our actions, our words, and how we make others feel. Here are a few quick tips:

• Meet and exceed expectations. Be proactive and helpful, go the extra mile when you can.

• Communicate clearly and kindly. Remember, communication isn’t just verbal. Body language, tone, and online responses all shape how guests perceive us.

• Every impression matters. From the first “hello” to the final “goodbye,” each interaction counts. Many times, you only have seconds as someone creates their first impression of you, so make it a good one!

•  Handle tough situations with grace. When a customer is upset:

 Don’t take it personally, try to remove emotion from the situation.

Listen closely to what the guest is upset about and ask clarifying

questions. • Think like a “possibilitarian” (a term someone came up with from a training I facilitated) find creative, kind solutions to fix the problem.  Follow up to ensure the issue is resolved and make sure the issue is noted to prevent it from happening again.

• Live Wyoming values. Be authentic, genuine, respectful, and dynamic in how you serve others.

The Ripple Effect

Hospitality drives economic impact, and I, along with many others, say, if you work with people, you work in the hospitality industry. It leads to longer stays, repeat visits, good reviews, and word-of-mouth that spreads far beyond state lines.

 In rural communities, that can make a huge difference for small businesses and families. 

A Lasting Impression

At the end of the day, hospitality is everyone’s job. Whether you’re giving directions to alost traveler, offering a recommendation, or simply greeting someone with a smile, you’re shaping someone’s experience of Wyoming. And when we each bring a little more warmth and care to our daily interactions, we ensure that what visitors remember most about Wyoming isn’t just our landscape’s, it’s us.