The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition (WHTC) is proud to announce Debbie Pummel as the 2026 Big WYO Award winner, recognized last night at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality and Tourism Convention.
The Big WYO Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding impact promoting hospitality and tourism across the State of Wyoming. As Regional Director of Sales at Safari Hospitality, a long-time WHTC Board Member, President of the WHTC Education Foundation Board and a member of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute Advisory Board, Debbie Pummel’s career and service exemplify the leadership, passion and commitment that define Wyoming’s thriving visitor economy.
Throughout her decades-long career in Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry, Pummel has been a steadfast advocate for local businesses, rural communities and statewide collaboration. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships across the public and private sectors, elevated Wyoming’s presence as a premier travel destination and ensured that tourism continues to benefit communities large and small.
“Debbie embodies what the Big WYO Award represents,” said WHTC Executive Director Chris Brown. “Her commitment to true Wyoming hospitality is evident the moment you meet her. Throughout her career, Debbie had made an incredible impact on our industry and I am proud to call her my colleague and friend.”
Tourism remains Wyoming’s second-largest industry, generating billions in economic impact annually and supporting more than 34,000 jobs statewide. Leaders like Pummel have played an essential role in sustaining that momentum, by strengthening industry networks, supporting policy efforts and encouraging innovation across the sector.
In accepting the award, Pummel reflected on the collaborative spirit of Wyoming’s hospitality community. “I am so honored to be recognized by this incredible industry. Welcoming the thousands who travel through Wyoming each year and showing them what true, western hospitality is brings such joy to the work I do, and I am grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way.”
The winner of the Big WYO Award is selected by an awards committee composed of past recipients and members of the WHTC Executive Committee.
