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Fort Collins Hosts Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference

Over 450 industry professionals gather to learn, network, lend a hand, and celebrate

By By Beth Buehler

Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference - welcome reception, Canvas Stadium, September 27, 2023
Welcome reception at Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium || Courtesy of Visit Fort Collins

The annual three-day Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference, hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), was held at the Hilton Fort Collins Sept. 27-29. The gathering provides an opportunity for tourism professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders from around the state and beyond to connect in person and share insights.

In addition to mingling during a trade show and an evening welcome reception held at Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium, attendees delved into a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence, crisis communications, destination stewardship, and international promotions. Interactive workshops focused on leadership development, destination stewardship, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), and social media tactics.

Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference - Trail Cleanup Project , Sept. 26, 2023
Leave No Trace trail cleanup project || Photo by Beth Buehler

A new Visitor Services Summit was held the morning of Sept. 27 before the conference officially started to address the evolving needs of this sector within the tourism industry. As part of Fort Collins hosting the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference, many of those who arrived on Sept. 26 to attend various meetings the following morning participated in the Leave No Trace trail cleanup project. A VIP reception was held that evening on the Odell Brewing Co. patio.

Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations for the U.S. Travel Association, was the keynote speaker for the opening session on day one. Tony Drees, a motivational speaker, adaptive sports champion, and Purple Heart amputee, and his 125-pound service dog, Diva, captivated the lunch crowd on Sept. 28. with his presentation about the “Three Rules of Inclusion in Tourism.”

Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference - Awards Presentation by Gov. Jared Polis, Sept. 28, 2023
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks about the importance of tourism at the awards dinner || Photo by Heather Bayer

A formal awards dinner, held on the second evening of the conference, was kicked off by Gov. Jared Polis, who emphasized the importance of the tourism industry and presented the Frontline Tourism Worker Awards. Eight additional awards were presented by Timothy Wolfe, director of Colorado Tourism Office, and Bob Stinchcomb, chair of the CTO Board of Directors and senior vice president at Alterra Mountain Company.

Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference - Awards Dinner Visit Boulder Wins, Sept. 28, 2023
Visit Boulder accepting the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Tourism || Photo by Heather Bayer

Wolfe says, “This conference stands as a testament to our shared commitment to furthering strategic growth in the tourism industry, all while embracing our values of responsible tourism, stewardship, inclusivity, and leadership.”

At the conclusion of Fort Collins hosting the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference an announcement was made that the 2024 gathering will be held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Elevation Hotel and Spa on Sept. 25-27.

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