Mission: The mission of the Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission is to increase overnight visitation, boost spending, and expand our market share to fuel the local economy. Through our efforts, we will contribute significantly to tax revenues and improve the quality of life for the greater Pinedale community.
Vision: The Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission is dedicated to developing and maintaining a healthy and vibrant fall, winter, and spring economy that supports local recreation, preserves our natural resources, and enhances the well-being of our community.
What is the Lodging Tax?
Currently, a 7% lodging tax is applied to overnight stays in Pinedale’s hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term rentals. In 2020, the state of Wyoming introduced a 5% statewide lodging tax, which applies to all lodging establishments across the state (excluding federal lands).
This year, Pinedale is asking voters to approve a 2% local lodging tax, which, when combined with the state’s 5%, keeps the total lodging tax at 7%. When the statewide tax was introduced, 2% of Pinedale’s original 4% local tax became part of the state legislated tax structure. As a result, this ballot measure will allow Pinedale to retain the 4% local tax necessary to fund tourism and local events.
How does the Lodging Tax benefit Pinedale?
Revenue from the lodging tax funds the promotion of Pinedale through the Visit Pinedale website and various other marketing platforms. Visitors who are drawn to Pinedale contribute to our local economy by dining in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, and supporting local jobs, all while enhancing the quality of life we enjoy here.
The 4% lodging tax also provides grants for beloved community events like Soundcheck, Sled Dog Races, Rendezvous, Winter Carnival, Fishing Derby, and Rocky Mountain STOL.
90% of the revenue goes directly to Pinedale Travel and Tourism to promote tourism and host local events.
10% goes to the Town of Pinedale's General Fund, supporting services like maintaining American Legion Park and mitigating visitor impacts.
Why is the Lodging Tax critical?
If the Pinedale Lodging Tax does not pass, the total tax will drop to 5% (3% going to the state of Wyoming and 0% going to the Town of Pinedale. This would force the Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission to make significant budget cuts, eliminating or reducing funding for many local events. It would also reduce our ability to manage the impact of tourism on town facilities, jeopardizing the very events and activities that bring vitality to our community.
The Numbers Tell the Story:
75% of year-round lodging in Sublette County (532 rooms, excluding short-term rentals) is located within Pinedale's town limits.
In 2023-2024, the Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission spent $219,304 promoting Pinedale and nearby areas. Of this, $60,200 was spent on supporting local events.
These funds ensure that visitors not only come but also stay, contributing significantly to our local economy.
The current lodging tax is doing exactly what it was designed to do: promoting Pinedale, increasing visitation, supporting local jobs, and driving revenue into everyone’s pockets. To maintain and grow this success, passing the 2% local lodging tax is crucial for the future of our community, our events, and our local businesses.
Let’s keep Pinedale thriving together!
