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Welcome to RMInsights – your quick look back at what we’ve been up to this quarter. It’s been a busy few months filled with momentum, learning and progress across the team. From key initiatives moving forward to behind-the-scenes efforts that kept everything running smoothly, this recap highlights the moments, milestones and takeaways that shaped our autumn.
And as Christmas approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, embracing the spirit of collaboration and joy that defines our industry. Together, let's continue to forge strong partnerships and create memorable experiences that inspire travelers around the globe!
| | CLIENT UPDATES & PARTNERSHIPS | |
RMI is thrilled to continue our partnership with the New Mexico Tourism Department in 2026! Together, we’ll provide an RMI TRIP Report™ that will shape how the Land of Enchantment is showcased to travelers worldwide. From the vibrant culture of Santa Fe to the breathtaking landscapes of White Sands and the historic charm of Route 66, New Mexico offers experiences unlike anywhere else.
As part of this collaboration, we’re also providing NMTD with our RMI database – a custom CRM platform designed to enhance internal tracking and deliver measurable ROI on marketing efforts. This partnership ensures New Mexico’s unique adventures, rich heritage and world-class hospitality remain front and center for global audiences.
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Visit Denver is a private, nonprofit trade association that is responsible for marketing metro Denver as a convention and leisure destination. The Bureau is contracted by the City & County of Denver to act as the official marketing agency for Denver. It is governed by a board of directors and employs a staff of more than 65 professionals.
Denver is one of the Great American West’s official Gateway Cities and is an RMI TRIP Report™ client.
| | | DID YOU KNOW? Visit Denver Edition | | |
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There are 200 named peaks visible from Denver, including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above.
- Denver really is exactly 1 mile high. In Denver's rarified air, golf balls go 10% farther. So do cocktails: Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. The sun feels warmer in the thinner atmosphere, but your coffee is cooler because water boils at 202 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Denver boasts the 10th largest downtown in America and one of the most exciting and walkable. Within a 1-mile radius, downtown Denver has three major sports stadiums, the nation's second-largest performing arts center, three colleges, an assortment of art and history museums, a mint that produces 10 billion coins a year, a river offering whitewater rafting, more than 11,000 hotel rooms within a short walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center (more than 50,000 first-class hotel rooms in the greater metro area), a downtown theme and water park, downtown aquarium and hundreds of chef-driven restaurants.
- Denver has 300 days of sunshine each year, with more annual hours of sun than San Diego or Miami Beach. Golf courses remain open all year and have been played every day in January.
- Denver's history is short but colorful. In 1858, there was not a single person living in the Denver metro area. Thirty years later, thanks to the Gold Rush, Colorado was a state with a population of almost 200,000.
- Denver has more than 200 parks within the city and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains, including the spectacular Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. The city has its own bison herd at Buffalo Herd Overlook. Other mountain parks include Echo Lake, at the base of the Mount Blue Sky highway – the highest paved road in North America – and Buffalo Bill's grave on top of Lookout Mountain.
- Denver is one of only a few cities to have six professional sports teams. Denver also has horse racing and a professional rodeo, along with 90 golf courses and miles of bike paths.
- Denver is emerging as a model for sustainable cities. The Colorado Convention Center is green through and through, including a rare LEED Gold certification for existing buildings and the Blue Bear Farm, which grows more than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce annually! Denver International Airport is dedicated to sustainable practices, including a Community Stewardship philosophy that includes energy and environmental management, green buildings and noise abatement. The Denver Zoo's Toyota Elephant Passage uses a biomass gasification system, which can turn human trash and animal waste into energy to power the exhibit. Plus, many of Denver’s famous craft breweries are committed to recycling programs and responsible water usage.
| | | REPORTING & DATA: RMI TRIP REPORTTM | |
- International visitors spent nearly $21.1 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of August, unchanged (0.0%) when compared to August 2024.
- International visitors have spent nearly $168.5 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date, an increase of 1% when compared to the same period last year; international visitors have injected, on average, nearly $693 million per day into the U.S. economy this year.
Source: NTTO
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Alyssa and Stacey flew to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to present on the International Marketing Panel at this year’s Idaho Conference on Recreation & Tourism. The panel dove into international marketing 101, working with RTOs/receptives, RMI TRIP Report™ statistics for local DMOs, Great American West annual tourism tradeshow International Roundup and more! Thank you to the Visit Idaho team for having us! | | |
From ICORT to Wyoming's Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit, Alyssa and Stacey drove the scenic route, pit-stopped in Jackson and saw the Grand Tetons on their way to Riverton, Wyoming. Attending Wyoming's Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit is always a joy. RMI loves meeting new friends and catching up with old. A big congratulations to Diane Shober, who attended her very last industry event and passed the torch to new Wyoming Office of Tourism Executive Director Domenic Bravo.
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Mathias & Scott attended Brand USA’s Travel Week in London, taking part in the Leadership Tract filled with enrichment and learning sessions. It was a unique opportunity to learn from and network with high-level industry leaders throughout the tourism industry. RMI looks forward to attending next year, when the event moves to Amsterdam! | | |
Kim attended the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association Conference in Missoula, presenting a breakout session on the fundamentals of working in international markets and with the global travel trade. She was joined by longtime partner and receptive tour operator America 4 You to expand on developing successful trade partnerships. | | | | |
Evan drove to Colorado Springs to join the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference. It was a great opportunity to learn more about Colorado’s international efforts, including DIA performance and upgrades, marketing activities and upcoming initiatives. | | |
Evan flew to Ireland in October with his wife, Jazmyn, for a little R&R. They stopped in Dublin, Derry and Galway, with several memorable and breathtaking stops along the way. | | | | | The Great American West state reps and directors and the RMI team made their way to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the GAW’s annual Mid-Year Meeting. Mid-Year is one of the few times each year when all members of the GAW program are in one room, which makes it one of our most productive meetings. | | |
Scott and the GAW states journeyed to Sweden, Denmark and Norway for their Nordic Sales Mission in early December. The week included meetings with 15 tour operators in one-on-one meetings and trainings, workshops and presentations. | | | |
Be on the lookout for RMI at these conferences, or send us an email ahead of time to plan a meeting! Our team would love to sit down for a drink and have a conversation about your business, destination or overall state outlook from an international perspective.
| | COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIPS & 12 MONTHS OF GIVING | | |
Community Sponsorships:
- Mathias will be coaching his son, Ivan, in Cheyenne Rec Youth Basketball.
- RMI was happy to support Visit Cheyenne’s first-ever “Tee Off for Tourism” golf tournament to raise money for future Discover Cheyenne and Visit Cheyenne community events.
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RMI was proud to be a supporter of the Cheyenne Boo Ball this year. Proceeds from the event benefited the Global War on Terror tribute at Freedom Point (Cheyenne Lion’s Park), which will memorialize 23 brave men and women from Wyoming who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you were unable to make the event but would like to support the project directly, you can learn more here.
12 Months of Giving:
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October: COMEA Shelter (Scott): “It can be easy to forget how fortunate most of us are, which is why I chose the COMEA House and Resource Center for RMI's donation as part of our 12 Months of Giving. The work they do to provide housing, a hot meal and a fresh start for people is so important and really resonates with me."
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November: No Kids Hungry (Stacey): “I believe no child should wonder where their next meal will come from – especially during a season of gratitude and togetherness. Helping make sure a child has a full plate feels like the best way to give thanks.”
- December: (RMI Team):
- Salvation Army Toy Sort/Unpack: Cheyenne-based RMI team members volunteered at the Salvation Army warehouse to help unpack, sort and distribute gifts for kids and seniors in the community. We’re thankful to be surrounded by wonderful people in our community who give back during this holiday season.
- Laramie County Spread the Warmth Coat Drive: RMI collected and donated winter coats, gloves, scarves and more to help keep everyone warm this season.
- Angel Tree: Instead of exchanging staff gifts, team members picked Angel Tree recipients in their communities.
- Bruneau Community Food Drive: RMI donated nonperishable food items at a local food drive to help to provide much-needed food boxes to underserved, at-risk families in three communities local to Kim in Mountain Home, Idaho.
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Alyssa and her soon-to-be husband, Caleb, went on their honeymoon trip to Belgium and the Netherlands in early December! They had a great time exploring the canaled streets lined with Christmas lights, eating an absurd amount of Belgian chocolate, and visiting historical monuments and museums. “In 2021, I studied abroad in Ghent, Belgium, and the experience of living and studying overseas changed my life. I have always wanted to show Caleb one of my favorite places on earth, and what better time than our honeymoon,” Alyssa said. | | |
Kim welcomed her husband home from a seven-month overseas deployment. “He came home just in time to help hand out Halloween candy to the local neighborhood kids, and we followed that up with a weekend camp trip in the Wyoming Range mountains!” Kim said. | | | | |
Lori’s time in the Wyoming Academy program ended with a final session and graduation ceremony in Casper in October. This has been an outstanding experience, and she encourages anyone who is interested in growing as a leader to look into similar professional development opportunities. Never stop learning! | | |
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Have a very Merry Christmas from the RMI team! We wish everyone a joyful and merry holiday season surrounded by loved ones, and a bright and hopeful new year.
Reminder: RMI will be closed from December 24, 2025-January 1, 2026, to spend this time with our family and friends. We look forward to catching up with everyone after the break. Happy holidays!
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Missed the last post? Executive VP Lori Yunker Lori explains why education doesn’t stop when you leave school.
Looking ahead: We’ve been working internally to revamp how we service you, our tourism industry partners, and are excited to (re)launch our services for you in the new year. Keep an eye on our socials and newsletter to see how we can “Get There Together!”
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RMI
1720 Carey Ave. #600
Cheyenne, WY 82001
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