Colorado Tourism Office to expand rural tourism development focus with the launch of Destination Development program

The new program will grow the successes of previous Heritage and Agritourism initiatives; expand rural tourism development focus to culinary and agritourism, heritage, cultural, outdoor adventure and cycling

Denver, 2017-Jul-10 — /Travel PR News/ — The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is relaunching its successful Heritage & Agritourism program, which will now be known as Destination Development, as the CTO looks to expand its mission of incorporating all aspects of rural tourism development.

The evolution of the program follows the CTO’s strategic planning efforts and launch of the Colorado Tourism Roadmap, which provides structure for destination marketing organizations—including the Colorado Tourism Office—to embrace the role of “destination architect,” taking an active role in developing and shaping new tourism offerings to attract visitors.

“The core mission of the CTO’s Destination Development will remain the same as in the past — to provide resources empowering our rural tourism partners to build thriving businesses and create the kind of memorable experiences that make travelers want to come back and bring their friends,” said CTO Director Cathy Ritter.

Under the watch of new Destination Development Director, Jill Lammers, the Destination Development program focus will maximize the opportunity to inspire travel and drive visitor spending in rural areas by expanding to include support and resources for a wider array of tourism offerings, including culinary and agritourism, heritage, cultural, outdoor adventure and cycling. Program initiatives will continue to include mentor programs, the Roots visitor guide to Agritourism and Heritage offerings, and marketing matching grants.

Destination Development will be overseen by a committee of representatives from more rural tourism sectors, including creative arts districts, the outdoor recreation industry, and sustainable tourism, and will be co-chaired by Courtney Frazier, executive director of the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association, and Dan Grunig, executive director of Bicycle Colorado.

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Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

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Media Contact:
Sarah-Jane Johnson
(310) 854-2408
spjrmedia.net

Source: Colorado Tourism Office

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