Casper was announced as the location for the 2024 International Roundup (IRU), set for April 19-22, 2024. The tourism-based tradeshow will bring international travel planners and tour operators from seven overseas markets who specialize in selling customized travel itineraries through the five-state region: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, collectively branded overseas as “The Great American West”.

Hosted by the Casper Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Tourism and The Great American West, IRU will provide a long-term economic boost to the region. More than 100 regional suppliers and 40 international tour operators are expected to attend the multi-day event that includes over 2,600 pre-scheduled appointments with destination representatives. Business conducted at the event will help contribute an estimated $110.8 million in visitor spending to Wyoming, and an estimated $259 million to the five-state region.

“International Roundup is more than just a tradeshow, it’s a chance to turn partnerships into friendships,” said Amanda Sewell, destination experience coordinator at Visit Casper. “Buyers and sellers of foreign countries get to come together, in person, for the greater purpose of tourism, in the hope of enhancing the economic growth of our countries and communities.”

Casper was slated to host the event in 2020, and again in 2021, but had to postpone hosting the event both years due to border closures surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a unique opportunity to host this event,” said James Scoon, global partnerships director with the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “Communities get to showcase their charm and hospitality to the world, in a tangible way, that ends up elevating the entire state and region as an international travel destination. There is no better way to sell a community than in-person experiences. It is the ultimate marketing opportunity.”

The exclusive IRU event is a unique opportunity for regional suppliers within the region to meet one-on-one with international tour operators from the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux, France, Italy, Australia and Nordic countries to conduct business negotiations that would otherwise be generated only through substantial individual investment and an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips.

International tour operators who sell travel packages to the five-state region are invited to register for the event to enhance their product base and knowledge of the area. Many of the operators who attend are small- to medium-sized companies that specialize in tailor-made fly-and-drive itineraries for individual clients. The knowledge and connections gained at this event allow tour operators to offer unique experiences, at the same time providing an efficient and practical way for suppliers in the region to promote their tourism products to an international audience.

Registration for the 2024 IRU will open in October and is available to any Wyoming tourism partner that is interested in increasing international visitation to their business. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the international trends from in-market representatives and the tour operators in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to register early to confirm their spot at this exclusive event.