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Colorado Springs, Colo. – September 18, 2020 – Yesterday, more than 800 travel and tourism industry representatives and elected officials joined the virtual 2020 Governor’s Colorado Tourism Conference. The conference theme, Forge Ahead, reflects this year’s challenges and resilience in the tourism industry.
To conclude the conference, the CTO held its annual awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations that have greatly contributed to the advancement and innovation of Colorado’s tourism industry. VCOS President & CEO Doug Price was honored with the Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman’s Award. The prestigious award recognizes an extraordinary individual’s commitment to tourism in Colorado. Price’s clear passion for tourism and love for Colorado, voice of reason, strong leadership and mentorship have been especially impactful during the challenges our industry has faced this year. Price also serves as Vice Chair of the Colorado Tourism Board.
“There is no doubt that COVID-19 is testing our tourism industry here in Colorado like never before, yet, it’s important to recognize the bright spots shining through this storm,” said Colorado Tourism Board Chair Courtney Frazier, who lifted up the city of Colorado Springs as an example. “This city was listed as number one in the country in terms of summer occupancy at 66 percent* and fared better than most of the country in leisure and hospitality job losses by regaining nearly 85% of employees by July. There are many other hopeful stories just like this. This. As Coloradans, the amount of ingenuity, adaptation and collaboration I have seen these past several months is truly inspirational.”
Alongside Price, other award winners included the Aspen Snowmass/Roaring Fork Valley Gold-Level IMBA Ride Center for Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative, Gunnison County and the National Forest Foundation’s STOR Corps for Outstanding Sustainability Initiative, Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night for Outstanding Marketing Program and Pamela Mahonchak for the Jack Snow Volunteer Award.
This year’s conference was live-streamed from Red Rocks Amphitheater, featuring a combination of live and pre-recorded content, including remarks from Governor Jared Polis. The CTO is hopeful that next year’s conference and awards ceremony will be held in person in Snowmass from Sept. 22-24, 2021.