<div class="text-align-center"><em>Investing in Initiatives to Enhance Visitor Experiences Across the State</em></div>

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<div><strong>DENVER, April 1, 2025 </strong>– The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), is pleased to announce the 12 recipients of the 2025 Tourism Management Grant. Organizations from across the state have been awarded grants for their innovative projects in the tourism sector including the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and nine rural counties. With a grant amount of up to $20,000 and a required match of 4:1, these grants advance tourism and destination stewardship efforts across the state.</div>

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<div><strong>"We're thrilled to see the impact these tourism management grants will have on communities across Colorado. They empower local leaders to craft unique visitor experiences while safeguarding the natural beauty that makes our state so special,”</strong> said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.<strong> “It is truly rewarding to support these local efforts that will strengthen Colorado's economy and enrich the lives of both residents and visitors."</strong></div>

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<div>The Tourism Management Grant program supports 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 resilient, innovative tourism ecosystem that reflects the diverse interests and values of Colorado's communities.</div>

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<div><strong>“It's exciting to see these grants put to work across the state,"</strong> said CTO Director Timothy Wolfe. <strong>"Our program goes beyond just funding projects—it fuels the communities that drive tourism, showcasing Colorado’s world-class landscapes, rich history, vibrant spirit, and commitment to destination stewardship."</strong></div>

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<div>These projects range from visitor experience development to wayfinding enhancements, all aimed at enriching the visitor experience while promoting responsible and respectful use of Colorado's natural and cultural resources. Here are the 2025 Tourism Management Grant recipients:</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>City of Greeley - </strong>$15,000 to fund a data platform that provides visitor demographics and behaviors to better tailor tourism strategies, improve visitor initiatives, and enhance marketing efforts to align with visitor needs</li>
	<li><strong>City of Idaho Springs - </strong>$20,000 to create a city-wide wayfinding strategy integrating Virginia Canyon Mountain Park and the Mighty ARGO Experience into Idaho Springs' existing identity</li>
	<li><strong>Colorado Dude &amp; Guest Ranch Association - </strong>$20,000 to enhance visitor experience by funding an expansion of the existing booking system, allowing visitors and ranches to better view availability, secure bookings, and share pre-visit information</li>
	<li><strong>Fremont County - </strong>$20,000 to fund the development of a Shelf Road climbing guide that enhances visitor experience and education</li>
	<li><strong>Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association - </strong>$16,800 to expand inclusive tourism by translating and replacing existing trailhead and etiquette signage to include Spanish</li>
	<li><strong>Huerfano County </strong>- $10,222 to expand inclusive tourism by translating existing TravelStorys audio walking and driving tours into Spanish</li>
	<li><strong>Logan County - </strong>$20,000 to develop a gravel cycling asset, including route development and a comprehensive guide for visitors, that will establish Logan County as a must-ride gravel bike destination</li>
	<li><strong>Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce</strong> - $20,000 to create digital and printed assets at a new Yampa River Interpretive Center in downtown Steamboat Springs that enhances visitor services and education efforts</li>
	<li><strong>Town of Eagle</strong> - $20,000 to complete a comprehensive wayfinding audit, needs analysis, and schematic plan aimed at enhancing the navigation experience for residents and visitors&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Town of Silverthorne </strong>- $8,000 to support the evolution of recurring First Friday events to be waste-free via waste diversion and tracking systems</li>
	<li><strong>Ute Mountain Ute Tribe</strong> - $20,000 to enhance visitor experience and land stewardship via new and/or updated wayfinding signage</li>
	<li><strong>Visit Fort Collins</strong> - $20,000 to enhance visitor engagement with the local public art scene by developing a comprehensive and interactive mural experience&nbsp;</li>
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<div><strong>About the Colorado Tourism Office</strong></div>

<div>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 <a href="http://www.colorado.com" title="http://www.colorado.com/">www.colorado.com</a>.</div>

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<div><strong>About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade</strong></div>

<div>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 <a href="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/5d2ffaae2b5649e7a5ab325b50dee4b4/1/257fc18b3d6fa96b4b36786ccf30b314e4fbc3009256f1e24a624ee0a45b72e0?cache_buster=1746565205" title="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/5d2ffaae2b5649e7a5ab325b50dee4b4/1/257fc18b3d6fa96b4b36786ccf30b314e4fbc3009256f1e24a624ee0a45b72e0?cache_buster=1746565205">OEDIT</a>.</div>

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