2018 Pikes Peak Region Overnight Visitor Spending Up Seven Percent

Colorado Springs, Colo. – September 12, 2019 – Overnight visitors to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region spent a total of $1.7 billion in 2018, a seven percent increase over 2017. Day travelers spent $665 million for a total of $2.4 billion, compared to $2.3 billion in 2017. According to the annual visitor profile study from Longwoods International, a leader in tourism research since 1985, the region welcomed 23 million people, with 45 percent staying at least one night. A total of $6.6 million is infused into the Pikes Peak region’s economy each day by non-residents.

For the first time, marketable trips to overnight visitors, the kind where people are not limited in where they travel (4.8 million), outpaced the “Visiting Friends & Relatives” category (4.0 million).

While the total visitor numbers in the overnight category remained essentially flat, spending increased significantly, up seven percent. “Two key goals of our long-term Destination Master Plan road map are to increase the length of stay and total visitor spend. Knowing how visitors are inspired and what they like to do in the region is an important component to craft the organization’s marketing messages. With higher demand for our area’s attractions and natural landmarks, the best way to maximize economic impact in a sustainable and responsible way is to increase the length of trip and the amount of money visitors are infusing into our destination,” says VCOS President and CEO Doug Price.

Other key findings from the Longwoods International Colorado Springs annual visitor profile study include:

  • Overnight visitors to the Pikes Peak region spent an average of 3.2 nights up substantially from 2.8 nights in 2017.
  • The top three reasons for visiting the region are visiting friends/relatives, touring and outdoors.
  • Top markets shifted slightly and are Colorado, California, Texas, Florida, Missouri and Illinois.
  • About six in 10 overnight Pikes Peak region travelers arrived by personal vehicle.
  • Most overnight visitors stayed in a resort, hotel or motel, followed by staying with friends or relatives.

Through June of 2019, the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax collected by the City is up 8.27 percent over 2018, showing continued strength for the regional tourism industry this year.