Visit Colorado, the State with Benefits

Colorado Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan: Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Future

The Colorado Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan launched today by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The plan evaluates tourism growth with the lens of preservation. And is a guide to region specific challenges Colorado faces.

Over 1,000 individuals and 2,500 unique perspectives of industry leaders, local communities, state and federal agencies, and other relevant organizations spoke on this plan.

Regional Plans

• The Great West
• Denver and Northern Colorado
• Mystic San Luis Valley
• Pikes Peak Wonders
• Pioneering Plains
• Canyons and Plains
• Mountains and Mesas
• Rockies Playground

Main Goals

• Protect natural resources: Promote sustainable practices and mitigate visitor impact on landscapes and wildlife.

• Preserve cultural heritage: Safeguard local traditions and cultural sites.

• Benefit local communities: Address congestion and environmental issues to enhance resident quality of life and support local economies.

• Manage outdoor recreation: Ensure responsible use of trails, parks, and other recreational spaces.

• Support biodiversity: Protect wildlife and plant species through conservation efforts.

• Address climate change: Promote sustainability and renewable energy within tourism.

Alignment

The Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan is designed to align with ongoing statewide and partner initiatives. In addition to hundreds of region-specific plans addressing various aspects of the tourism industry, several key statewide plans were consulted to ensure alignment, including:

• Colorado’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
• Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife Strategic Plan

These plans share common goals related to conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. The Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan complements these efforts by addressing tourism’s impacts, influence, and benefits.

To support implementation, the plan will leverage partnerships and coalitions such as the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative, the Care for Colorado Coalition, the Inclusivity in Travel Coalition, and the Colorado Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (CADMO).

How do we allow tourism and still think about impacts from overcrowding and weather changes? How do we protect our regions yet open up our state to people around the globe. We plan for it.