Wyoming Tourist Season Looks Good

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state Tourism Office executive director says she expects to see a strong tourist season this year all across Wyoming.

Diane Shober says low fuel prices, the national parks centennial and an effective marketing campaign should contribute to another flood of visitors to Wyoming.

Last year, Wyoming attracted a record 10.5 million tourists and tourism contributed nearly $3.4 billion to the state economy.

But Shober says possible budget cuts could mean cutting back on advertising, which could result in fewer potential visitors in the future.

Gov. Matt Mead has asked each state agency to submit budget cuts of about 8 percent because of the state's ailing energy economy.

Shober says her office would have to reduce its marketing efforts by about $1 million annually to cover an 8 percent cut.