Colorado Springs Announced as Host for 2025, Tourism Leaders Across the State Honored During Awards Ceremony

MT. CRESTED BUTTE – The Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference, hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), concluded today in the picturesque town of Mt. Crested Butte. This annual event, a cornerstone of Colorado’s tourism industry, brought together over 420 tourism professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the state for three days of insights, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lodge at Mountaineer Square and the Elevation Hotel & Spa, this year’s conference addressed the dynamic changes and emerging trends shaping the future of travel in Colorado. Attendees engaged in a diverse range of sessions that included destination stewardship, accessible travel, AI in tourism, low-impact practices, international marketing data, earned media trends, industry shifts, and airport trends shaping travel.

The keynote sessions featured outdoor enthusiast and polar explorer Eric Larsen, Ellen Davis of the U.S. Travel Association, and CTO leadership. Each brought unique perspectives and expertise, inspiring participants with forward-thinking ideas and strategies for fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in Colorado’s tourism industry.

“The Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference is a powerful platform that underscores our collective commitment to advancing Colorado’s tourism industry with a focus on innovation, stewardship and inclusivity,” said Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office Director. “This year’s conference has once again highlighted the importance of collaboration and strategic foresight in ensuring that Colorado remains a top destination for travelers worldwide, for generations to come.”

This year's conference prominently featured the recently released Colorado Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan, unveiled by the CTO just a week prior. A dedicated breakout session provided an in-depth overview of the statewide and regional strategies outlined in the plan and discussed ways for industry partners to implement sustainable tourism practices that balance the quality of life for residents while enhancing visitor experiences.

Tourism’s economic impact was a central theme throughout the conference. In 2023, tourism in Colorado generated $28.2 billion in economic impact, demonstrating its vital role in the state’s financial health. The event also continued its tradition of sustainability by working with Walking Mountain Science Center, striving to be a zero-waste event, reflecting Colorado's leadership in responsible tourism practices.

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, Sept. 26, honored outstanding contributions to Colorado’s tourism sector, celebrating innovation, leadership, and dedication to advancing the state's tourism industry.

The award categories and winners are detailed below.

• The Governor’s Award for Top Tourism Workplace recognizes a workplace where employees are encouraged to grow and succeed via innovative programming, strong mentoring, high quality of life benefits or other creative incentives that make work fun and engaging for all. This year’s winner was Bin 707 & Tacoparty in Grand Junction.
• The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Tourism celebrates an individual or organization who has shown exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives to drive meaningful change and impact to improve Colorado’s hospitality and tourism industry. This year’s award went to Crystal Egli, Co-Founder of the Inclusive Guide.
• The Colorado Tourism Office Board Chair’s Award is awarded to extraordinary individuals’ commitment to tourism in Colorado. This year’s award was presented to Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, Colorado Mountain College, President Emerita and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust for Public Land.
• The Governor’s Award for Exemplary Community Tourism Initiative is presented to a community or region that has demonstrated excellence in a tourism event, promotion or project. This year’s award recipient was Colorado Railbike Adventures.
• The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion is presented to an individual to recognize their tireless contributions to advancing the Colorado tourism industry. This award was presented to Tom Kleinschnitz, Director of Tourism with Visit Moffat County.
• The Governor’s Award for Rising Tourism Star is presented to an individual who is new to the tourism industry within the last five years and has demonstrated leadership, commitment and passion for the Colorado tourism industry. This year’s award was presented to Jessica Jones, Marketing and Events Manager with the Town of Georgetown.
• The Governor’s Awards for Creative Marketing Campaign recognizes an event or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado. This award went to Steamboat Ski Resort for the Steamboat Way.
• The Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer is presented to an individual who selflessly dedicated time and energy to furthering tourism in Colorado and bettering the visitor experience in the state. This year’s award went to Dixie Burmeister with the Palisade Chamber of Commerce. 
• The Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards (formerly the Frontline Tourism Worker Awards) went to the following individuals for their outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality in Colorado. 
  • Sally Dziedzic, Owner and Operator of the Mesa Verde Motel
  • Hirut Hailemeskel, Barista at The Westin Denver International Airport
  • Shannon Jones, General Manager of YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park
  • Kara Newhart, Server at the Floradora Saloon
  • David Skinner, Ski and Snowboard School Instructor at Vail Mountain
  • Neal Taylor, Guest Services Manager of the Rocky Mountaineer 
  • Bret Tennis, Park Operations Administrator at Garden of the Gods

As the conference drew to a close, the Colorado Tourism Office announced that the 2025 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference will be held in Colorado Springs at the newly opened Hotel Polaris on October 22-24, 2025. The city is poised to provide an exciting and vibrant setting for next year’s event, continuing the tradition of showcasing Colorado’s diverse destinations.

For more information about the 2024 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference, please visit www.coloradotourismconference.com.