The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), serving under the wider scope of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, recently showcased the unveiling of its 2025 Tourism Management Grant awardees. A total of 12 recipients were named, with projects spanning from visitor experience enhancements to wayfinding strategies. This program aims to foster tourism while emphasizing destination stewardship across the state with grants of up to $20,000, requiring a 4:1 financial match from the awardees.
According to the Colorado Tourism Office, Eve Lieberman, the Executive Director of OEDIT, expressed excitement, noting, "We're thrilled to see the impact these tourism management grants will have on communities across Colorado. They empower local leaders to craft unique visitor experiences while safeguarding the natural beauty that makes our state so special.” This initiative strives to not only invigorate local economies but also protect and promote the state's exquisite landscapes and cultural offerings. Among the recipients are the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and nine rural counties, all of which are set to implement their respective innovative projects in the tourism sector.
CTO Director Timothy Wolfe, as obtained by the Colorado Tourism Office, relayed, “It's exciting to see these grants put to work across the state. Our program goes beyond just funding projects—it fuels the communities that drive tourism, showcasing Colorado’s world-class landscapes, rich history, vibrant spirit, and commitment to destination stewardship." The grant program aligns with the CTO's strategic pillars, which include economic vitality, industry leadership, and destination stewardship.
These diverse projects touch on various facets of tourism, with endeavors such as the City of Greeley developing a data platform to inform tourism strategies and the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association expanding their booking system for visitors. Each project reflects a shared goal to enrich the visitor experience while promoting responsible enjoyment of Colorado's natural and cultural resources. According to the Colorado Tourism Office, projects include but aren't limited to wayfinding enhancements in Idaho Springs, Spanish translation of tourism materials in Gunnison and Crested Butte, and the rollout of a new comprehensive wayfinding audit in the Town of Eagle.
