Responsible Travel

Colorado has been awarded entry to the responsibletravel.com portfolio, the first port of call for consumers in pursuit of environmentally-friendly holidays. 

Today the world is waking up to climate change and the importance of environmental issues in relation to all that we do as human beings.  Tourism is no exception.  Being one of Colorado’s largest industries and economic drivers, tourism has a direct impact on the state’s environment. 

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) recognises the vital role that tourism plays in Colorado’s economy and in the lives of its citizens.  It is therefore committed to encouraging and promoting a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry within Colorado. 

When people hear the word ‘Colorado’ they visualize a place where they are welcome to come and experience life and explore the natural world.  Coloradans proudly picture their majestic Rocky Mountains and dry, fluffy snow, their verdant forests and sweeping Great Plains, and of course, Colorado’s most treasured residents, their wondrous wildlife, which are all to be shared and cherished.   

The CTO is dedicated to protecting and caring for Colorado’s diverse cultures and its natural environment, while striving to increase business and economic sustainability. It also aims to support and communicate a positive impression of tourism in Colorado, on a local, domestic and international level.  It believes that the best in Colorado tourism is yet to come.

Westin Hotel and Public Transit Center at Denver International Airport.

In spring 2015, a new 500-room Westin Hotel will open its doors at Denver International Airport as part of the South Terminal Redevelopment project.  The hotel will have its own station on the electric commuter rail line that will run from the airport to downtown Denver, opening in 2016.  The 22.8 mile rail line will run trains as often as every 15 minutes, taking just 30 minutes to get from the airport and Westin Hotel to Union Station in downtown Denver.  The hotel will also include 12 meeting and boardrooms, totalling approximately 10,000 square feet.  There will be one grand ballroom and two junior ballrooms totalling more than 16,000 square feet.  

Wholesale Mile High Culture Pass

Visit Denver has recently launched the Mile High Culture Pass, a four-day pass developed specifically for international travel companies to purchase the pass and/or offer it to their customers.  The pass is a printable "ticket" to be used for multiple days at multiple attractions, enabling visitors to receive admission to some of the city’s best attractions at a bargain.  Participating attractions include the Denver Art Museum and value-add savings are also available, such as 50% off with Denver B-cycle, the city’s bike sharing program.

2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

The world’s greatest skiers are hitting the slopes in Colorado. Taking place from 2-15February 2015, this prestigious event in Vail and Beaver Creek represents the largest and most impressive collection of ski racing talent in the world, second only to the Olympics.  All in all, the event showcases more than 700 athletes from more than 70 nations.  The 2015 event is only the fourth Championships ever held in the United States, all of them in Colorado.  From thrilling downhill runs to challenging giant slalom courses, you’ll witness incredible skiers in a picturesque Rocky Mountain setting, and the event is free for spectators.

Rocky Mountain National Park 100^th Anniversary Celebration.

From 3 September 2014 through to 4 September 2015, Rocky Mountain National Park, along with local and national communities, will be celebrating the park’s 100th anniversary.  Speakers, special activities and community events are being coordinated to commemorate the Centennial.  Rocky Mountain National Park hopes that their 100^th anniversary will inspire visitors to experience and connect with the park that has inspired 100 years of protection, and that will continue to enchant and delight visitors and stewards for another 100 years. 

Restored Union Station

Denver’s gorgeous 1914 Beau Arts Union Station celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014 with a massive restoration and redevelopment, making it the "must-see" spot of the city.  The transportation hub officially opened this summer, adding eight new tracks for AMTRAK and light rail.  It is the starting point for two electric free downtown shuttles and has added eight new restaurants, as well as new retail, two new bars and a half acre of splashing water fountains.  The Mile High City’s glittering newly refurbished Union Station has already become the centre of downtown Denver. 

Granby Ranch Expands Ski Offering

Granby Ranch, the four-season mountain getaway, located less than two hours from Denver, has announced it is adding four new runs this year, bringing the total number of ski trails to 38.  Two new runs on the West Mountain, named ‘Rough Rider’ and ‘Striker’, are expert-level black trails that bring the total number of runs on the West Mountain to 15.  Access to Dean’s Glade on West Mountain has been improved with trees thinned and the run graded, creating easier access that is not as technical.  The Poma Lift will be reopened this year, giving access to Lone Pine Bowl, an area that hasn’t been available to skiers and riders in 15-plus years!  "We deliver Colorado skiing and riding for less than other mountain resorts," says resort CEO Kyle Harris.  "And with a trail network that starts and ends at Base Lodge, it’s easy for families of all abilities to play together."

Grand Junction Avalon Theatre Cornerstone Project

The Avalon Theatre has been the cornerstone of 7^th and Main Street in downtown Grand Junction for 90 years and is receiving some much-needed improvements and upgrades.  Over $9 million is being invested in the project, which will allow for additional seating (total capacity of 1,150), acoustic and digital audio/visual improvements, and an overall facelift providing a state of the art performance venue.  

Crested Butte Selected by Bud Light

At the 2014 Super Bowl, Bud Light launched their "Up For Whatever" campaign, inviting US consumers to submit a 10-second video clip of themselves to win a place at ‘Whatever USA,’ a spontaneous, celeb-filled epic night at a mystery destination. 

After considering numerous towns across the country, Bud Light chose Crested Butte as the ideal place to bring the winners of its video contest.  "Crested Butte was selected to host Whatever, USA, for its breathtaking natural beauty and colourful cast of characters that make up the town," Bud Light said in a statement about the weekend.

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