We’ve Found The Reason Why Dumb Tourists Come To Wyoming

Some Wyomingites get offended when you talk about how great Wyoming is.

I think they feel that people will discover how great things are here and then ruin it by coming.

I've often said that Wyoming would be in trouble without people visiting. Tourism is one of the biggest industries here; without it, the state would struggle financially. Travel Wyoming released the 2023 tourism impact on the state, and the numbers were great. The number of visitors, total direct spending, and tax revenue increased.

That is fantastic news.

The not-so-fantastic news is that tourists who don't follow the rules, show respect for the state, care more about their social media followers, and generally just don't care have scuffed our reputation.

In the past, when you've read or heard a story about something dumb happening, it was usually in Florida. Now, because everyone is only concerned about taking a gazillion photos for their social media followers and trying to be an influencer, it's like the rules don't matter.

It's infrequent that an actual Wyomingite makes dumb news headlines. Someone from another state, like Florida, is trying to pet the 'fluffy cow' or wrestle a grizzly bear. In turn, other people see this and think it's okay for them to come and make the same mistakes.

Is there any way we can implement that your phone automatically turns off in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and any other place where there's potential for a dumb tourist moment?

Yea, I know, wishful thinking.