Colorado Continues Tradition of Industry Leadership with Strategic Marketing and Communications Efforts
DENVER, February 19, 2025 – The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), has received four 2024 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards in the categories of Public Relations/Communications, Social-First Video Content, Corporate Social Responsibility, and State Tourism Website. These campaigns all boost strong and responsible tourism across the state, strengthening local communities and economies by supporting small businesses and local jobs.
“In Colorado we’ve seen consistent growth in travel spending and visitors which in turn boosts our statewide and local economy. Travel-generated employment increased 5.3%, creating approximately 9,450 new jobs,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman. “Through CTO’s award-winning campaigns, we hope to continue highlighting Colorado’s diverse attractions in destinations across the state.”
This is the fourth consecutive year the Adrian Awards have recognized the CTO’s commitment to excellence. This year's awards demonstrate the CTO's dedication to marketing Colorado’s lesser known treasures and showcase its ongoing leadership in the tourism industry:
- HSMAI Silver, Public Relations/Communications - Driving Visitation to Leadville & the Historic Opera Houses Circuit
- HSMAI Bronze, Social-First Video Content - Visit Colorado Instagram Reels
- HSMAI Bronze Adrian Award, Corporate Social Responsibility - Outside Festival
- HSMAI Bronze Adrian Award, State Tourism Website - A new colorado.com
Colorado Tourism Office Director, Timothy Wolfe, commented, "The CTO is dedicated to excellence in marketing and communications, inspiring travel and driving economic benefits across all four corners of the state while safeguarding Colorado’s natural and cultural resources. This recognition highlights the impact of our balanced tourism management strategy and represents a win for Colorado."
Past awards have recognized the "Do Colorado Right'' campaign, showcasing the organization's commitment to destination stewardship and sustainable travel. The "Shine a Little Brighter" campaign, focused on economic development, was also a previous award winner.
About the Colorado Tourism Office
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The CTO seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership. In 2023, Colorado travelers spent $28.2 billion, generating $1.8 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $800. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
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