Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of Wyoming's economy.

It's a $2.5-billion-a-year industry that employs about 30,000 full- and part-time people, according to Lynn Birleffi, executive director of the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association.

"It contributes a lot to the economy," Birleffi said. "It is one of the biggest employers in the state."

Diane Shober, director of Wyoming Travel and Tourism, said tourism is the second largest industry in the state, next to oil and gas.

About 400 people from chambers of commerce, hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the tourism industry will meet at the Parkway Plaza Hotel on Monday and Tuesday for the Wyoming Governor's Hospitality & Tourism Conference.

Tourists' interest in Wyoming are growing, and inquiries to her office are up 49 percent to last year, Shober said. "More inquiries mean actual visitation is up.

International travelers have a special interest in the state and region, Shober said.

The conference consists of eight sessions on topics that Birleffi said help businesses do their jobs better and bring more people to Wyoming.

A conference highlight is the opening keynote speaker Watts Wacker, Birleffi said. Wacker, a futurist, will talk about trends and what could affect Wyoming tourism in the future.

There will be presentations on Internet marketing and company branding. One session will address hiring practices and the best ways to find employees amid the state's work force shortage.

One speaker will address the use of foreign guest workers, Shober said.

New this year is a presentation on how people in the tourism industry can run a "green" business. Representatives from two hotel companies will speak about how businesses can cut back on their energy use and implement environment-friendly practices.

The conference offers the opportunity for people in the industry to get together to discuss best practices, Birleffi said.

"It's important to adjust to the economy to bring as much money into the state as possible," Birleffi said.

The event is cosponsored by Wyoming Travel and Tourism and the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association.

Shober said the conference is always a fun event.

"The industry is a fun industry," Shober said. "People don't have to take a vacation. They book one because it is fun."

Contact reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.