Product Development

Concept Development

One of the things that became clear in the initial review is the need for close integration with existing development programs to have a successful outcome. Meetings and discussions have been held with staff and team members of the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) to identify how the WBC and the WOT can collaborate in developing and implementing a Tourism Product Development Program. Currently, initial data collection and preliminary analysis has been completed.

Discussions have been ongoing to refine elements for consideration, including:

• Additional data collection to identify the potential need/demand and quantify opportunities.
• Program options and rationale.
• Further clarification on organization eligibility process, criteria for consideration, application process, review and approval process, evaluation mechanism, shared funding, incentives and or match mechanisms and program administration.

Wyoming Tourism Development Program Findings and Recommendations
Executive Summary - Final Product Development Concepts
Concept Development Plan  - Concept Development Plan

Additional Input and Considerations

On September 6th the WOT convened a meeting with representatives of the WBC and the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA). Participants were asked to give additional input, especially in the nature and type of demand they were seeing across the state in tourism product development as well as barriers and considerations that will be important in the development of a Tourism Product Development Program. To review the presentation from this meeting, please click here: WEDA PRESENTATION.

The WOT has been compiling projects and concepts from around the state to help identify demand for this program. These include reviews of programs through the WBC and discussions with economic development organizations and the tourism industry. The most current list of projects and concepts representing the potential demand is available in the Tourism Product Demand Assessment located here:
Tourism Product Demand Assessment Concept Ideas
Tourism Product Demand Assessment In Progress
Tourism Product Demand Assessment Completed

A survey will be conducted in October to make sure that all possible projects and ideas are incorporated in this report and that all stakeholders have the chance to provide input. Additional areas the survey will cover include further identification of barriers and program elements.

Final recommendations are expected to be available in early November 2011.

Updates of the plan will continually be posted as they become available.  For questions about this plan, please submit them to Alan Dubberley - alan.dubberley@wyo.gov or 307-777-8561