As international travel bans have been put into effect, Park County is preparing for potential impacts to its summer tourism season. The federal government has barred the entry of all foreign nationals who had visited China, Iran and a group of European countries in the past 14 days.
Park County relies heavily on summer tourism to Yellowstone National Park. But during a Cody Country Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 update roundtable, Park County Travel Council marketing director Claudia Wade said there have been no nationwide bans on traveling within the United States. She said that's a good sign.
Travelers can be very spontaneous in making their travel plans. There are deep discounts, there is availability and all of those play into planning that last minute trip after they've been in the house for two months," said Wade.
Wade said the early summer season will most likely feel the effects the strongest.
"We have constant messaging that we are a safe and uncrowded destination and that we are open for business. Hopefully, we can have a strong July, August and September."
Wade said there will most likely be an issue with filling seasonal jobs as the area relies heavily on international visa workers.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Kamila Kudelska, at kkudelsk@uwyo.edu.
