Denver, Colo. (Oct. 29, 2019) – A new tour of Dark Sky communities in The Mystic San Luis Valley and Pikes Peak Wonders regions and an Athlete in Residence marketing program in Estes Park are among 31 projects that will share more than $600,000 in Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) marketing matching grants this year.
The grants program, aimed at helping destinations and nonprofits create and promote Colorado travel opportunities, supports diverse programs such as the promotion of adventure tourism, travel itineraries that utilize Colorado’s scenic byways and marketing opportunities for Colorado’s creative districts.
A total of 22 grantees won grants ranging from $5,000 to the maximum $25,000 and will match their awards dollar for dollar. Another nine grantees won funding under the small grants program, which ranges up to $10,000 and requires a less difficult 4:1 match. The grants will support initiatives in 26 of the state’s 64 counties. More information about each of the awardees and the marketing initiatives can be found here.
The full list of grantees is as follows:
-Florence Chamber of Commerce: $10,000
-Hinsdale County: $10,000
-Huerfano County: $10,000
-Meeker Chamber of Commerce: $10,000
-Pueblo Performing Arts Guild: $10,000
-Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce: $10,000
-Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area: $10,000
-Town of Lyons: $10,000
-Town of South Fork: $10,000
-Central City: $25,000
-Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau, Inc.: $25,000
-Colorado Campground & Lodging Owners Association: $25,000
-Colorado Cross Country Ski Association: $25,000
-Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association: $25,000
-Colorado Fourteeners Initiative: $5,000
-Creede-Mineral County: $11,729.00
-Custer County Tourism Board: $25,000
-Denver Center for Performing Arts: $25,000
-Fremont County Tourism Council: $25,000
-Grand County Colorado Tourism Board: $25,000
-Gunnison Crested Butte Association: $25,000
-History Colorado: $25,000
-Marketing Telluride, Inc.: $25,000
-Mesa Verde Country Visitor Information Bureau: $25,000
-Ouray Chamber Resort Association: $25,000
-Pagosa Springs Town Tourism Committee: $25,000
-Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance: $25,000
-Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel: $25,000
-Tourism Council of Carbondale: $25,000
-Visit Colorado Springs: $25,000
-Visit Estes Park: $25,000
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About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade: The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.
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 CTO’s mission is to generate traveler spending by promotion of Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and development of compelling, sustainable travel experiences throughout the state. In 2018, Colorado travelers spent $22.3 billion, generating $1.37 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $659. Tourism is the state’s second largest employer, directly supporting 174,400 jobs. For more information, please visit https://industry.colorado.com.