Wyoming Among 13 States to See Decline in Hotel Numbers Since 2019

Despite a nationwide rebound in travel spending and a surge in hotel development across much of the country, Wyoming is among a small group of states to experience a net loss in hotel establishments since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Wyoming News Now reports.

According to a recent analysis by Luxury Link, a luxury hotel booking platform, Wyoming has seen a 2.0% decrease in the number of hotel establishments since 2019. The state reported a net loss of nine hotels during that period, bringing the total number of properties to 440 as of late 2024.

This decline contrasts sharply with national trends. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the number of hotel establishments nationwide has increased by 7.3% since 2019, adding over 4,500 new properties. This growth comes amid record-breaking consumer spending on domestic accommodations, which surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and continued to climb through 2023 and 2024.

The Wyoming hotel industry also experienced a modest decrease in employment, with hotel jobs down by 1.4%—a reduction of approximately 160 positions. Total hotel employment in the state stands at just under 11,000 workers. Nationwide, hotel employment remains nearly 10% below its 2019 peak, with persistent labor shortages continuing to affect staffing levels across the sector.

While Wyoming saw a decline, other parts of the country reported significant hotel growth. States like Michigan, Idaho, Georgia, and North Carolina all posted double-digit increases in the number of hotels since 2019. At the local level, metro areas such as Grand Rapids and Charlotte led the way in new hotel openings.

Luxury Link’s analysis found that while traditional hotels and casino resorts have expanded, smaller lodging options—such as bed-and-breakfasts—have declined nationally, struggling to recover from the pandemic’s economic disruptions.

Pockets of decline were also found beyond Wyoming. Twelve other states, including Washington, New Mexico, and several in the Northeast, saw net decreases in hotel properties. New Mexico and Washington recorded the steepest drops, at -6.0% and -5.9%, respectively.

Despite Wyoming’s slight decline, the state continues to support a robust tourism industry. However, the data suggests that recovery in hospitality infrastructure has been uneven across regions, shaped by varying levels of investment, labor availability, and traveler demand.

A full breakdown of the analysis and methodology can be found on Luxury Link’s website.