Investing in Initiatives to Enhance Visitor Experiences and Preserve Colorado's Natural Beauty

DENVER, March 19, 2024 -- The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Tourism Management Grant. This grant, provided annually, supports projects aimed at developing, enhancing, or managing visitor experiences in Colorado. With a maximum grant amount of $20,000 and a required match of 4:1, these grants are vital for advancing tourism and destination stewardship efforts across the state.

“The tourism industry is a key driver of Colorado’s economy, and these Tourism Management Grants support communities across the state as they advance responsible tourism and strengthen their economies,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “By supporting local initiatives, we can help ensure that tourism boosts Colorado communities and our state as a whole.”

The Tourism Management Grant program is dedicated to supporting projects that align with the CTO's strategic pillars of economic vitality, industry leadership, and destination stewardship. Through thoughtful investments in infrastructure, education and outreach, the program seeks to cultivate a tourism ecosystem that is resilient, innovative, and reflective of the diverse interests and values of Colorado's communities.

A total of 14 organizations have been awarded grants for their innovative projects in the tourism sector for 2024. These projects range from marketing campaigns to infrastructure enhancements, all aimed at enriching the visitor experience while promoting responsible and respectful use of Colorado's natural and cultural resources.

Here are the 2024 Tourism Management Grant recipients:

<ul>
	<li>Chaffee County Visitors Bureau&nbsp;- $20,000 to expand the Adventure By Nature Pledge by integrating local business promotion opportunities and highlighting volunteer opportunities.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Colorado Cross Country Ski Association&nbsp;- $19,208 to conduct a comprehensive visitor profile and economic impact study to understand better what influences cross-country ski trips, how visitors make decisions and details on the economic impact.</li>
	<li>Colorado Music Hall of Fame&nbsp;- $20,000 to establish a Colorado Music Task Force which will provide a statewide voice for the music industry and determine the future of music tourism in Colorado.</li>
	<li>Colorado Springs Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau&nbsp;- $20,000 to conduct a resident sentiment survey to understand better the community’s point of view on tourism in the Pikes Peak Region.</li>
	<li>Copper Mountain Resort Association&nbsp;- $20,000 to install wayfinding signage to guide guests to the town center and to enhance the visitor experience along the riverwalk area.</li>
	<li>Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce&nbsp;- $6,000 to install an interactive information kiosk at the Mt. Crested Butte Visitor Center to increase access to visitor information and encourage responsible recreation.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Custer County Tourism Board&nbsp;- $20,000 to install information kiosks and interpretive signage at three popular trailheads along the Rainbow Trail.</li>
	<li>DarkSky Colorado&nbsp;- $19,800 to develop a strategic plan that provides guidance on astro-tourism initiatives including enhanced visitor information for Colorado stargazing.</li>
	<li>Durango Area Tourism Office&nbsp;- $9,512 to develop a comprehensive front-line staff and tourism stakeholder online training program that includes DEIA best practices and the history of underrepresented communities in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce&nbsp;- $18,200 to install an informational kiosk that provides local guidance and interfaces with the national park system for better access to Rocky Mountain National Park reservations, information and trail conditions.</li>
	<li>Saguache County Tourism Council - $20,000 to install new informational kiosks to ensure accurate information is available for safe and responsible recreation experiences.</li>
	<li>San Juan Mountains Association&nbsp;- $10,000 to enhance messaging at existing trailhead kiosks on responsible recreation best practices and to provide visitors with resources for the proper disposal of waste in the outdoors.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Town of Mountain Village&nbsp;- $20,000 to install an informational kiosk that promotes local businesses and services, and provides accurate information about local recreation opportunities.</li>
	<li>Town of Telluride&nbsp;- $20,000 for a comprehensive wayfinding audit, needs analysis and schematic plan aimed at enhancing the navigation experience for residents and visitors.</li>
</ul>

"These projects exemplify our innovative and community-oriented approach to tourism management in Colorado," said Timothy Wolfe, Director of the CTO. "We are proud to support initiatives that not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the sustainable growth of our tourism industry."

Grant recipients were selected through a competitive process based on alignment with eligibility criteria, demonstrated need, organizational capacity and the ability to advance secondary criteria such as off-peak tourism opportunities and inclusive travel.

For more information on the Tourism Management Grant program, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://oedit.colorado.gov/tourism-management-grant">www.oedit.colorado.gov/tourism-management-grant</a>.

 
###

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 2022, Colorado travelers spent $27.7 billion, generating $1.7 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $760. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colorado.com/">www.colorado.com</a>.