Brand USA Could Mean Tourist Dollars, Jobs For Wyoming

Greater marketing of the U.S as a tourist destination would directly impact Wyoming

An announcement Thursday by President Obama calls for a new national tourism strategy focused on job creation.  That has those in the business of promoting Wyoming tourism pleased.

Aaron McCreight, CEO of the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says the federal government taking seriously the relationship between tourism and the economy has grabbed his attention.

"It seems like a no-brainer to market yourself to tourists, which is what I do everyday, but the United States has never done it. It's great President Obama understands the importance of what tourism does for the economy."

The non profit, "Brand USA" was created two years ago and the president's inititive would build on that along with streamling the visa application process. Since 9-11 that process has slowed considerably. Bringing it back up to speed, McCreight says, would help bring in visitors and President Obama says it's something that can be done without compromising national security.