The Destination Development team inspires Colorado tourism industry partners to develop, manage, and promote visitor experiences that align with their competitive advantage as a destination and help protect their unique sense of place. Since 2015, the Destination Development has provided over 270 programs in 57 out of the 64 counties across Colorado.

Our core competencies include:

• Research and planning.
• Tourism strategic planning.
• Access to implementation resources.
• Continued tourism industry education.

We partner with Colorado destination marketing/management organizations (DMOs) and Colorado tourism industry associations. Destination Development programs and opportunities focus on the following priorities:

• Advance off-peak tourism opportunities.
• Advance strategies from the Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan.
• Advance tourism workforce.
• Champion the value of tourism.
• Develop and enhance the visitor experience.
• Encourage responsible and respectful use.
• Foster inclusive travel opportunities.
• Promote local businesses and experiences.

Destination Development Goals

• Broaden the scope of tourism investments in Colorado across economic, environmental, and social impacts.
• Reposition the value of tourism in Colorado as an industry that benefits local quality of life.
• Provide capacity across the state to advance tourism-related projects.

Programs, Initiatives & Opportunities

Destination Blueprint Program seeks to partner with DMOs around the state to increase alignment between local tourism stakeholders and completion of one or more priority tourism projects.

Destination Development Mentor Program seeks to match DMOs and industry association partners with experienced tourism consultants to provide expertise, resources, mentorship, and capacity building.

Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program supports tourism destinations across the state that are interested in advancing strategies that will help them achieve International Dark Sky Place (IDSP) certification and enhance Colorado’s visitor experience.

Colorado State Parks Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program: The CTO, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Dark Sky Colorado have partnered together to help state parks achieve International Dark Sky Place certification and enhance visitor experience.

Accessible Travel Program, a pilot program in partnership with Wheel The World, aims to amplify accessible spaces in destinations across Colorado by providing stakeholder education, on-site assessments, and a booking solution on Wheel The World.

Colorado Tourism Climate Champions Program, a pilot program in partnership with the Travel Foundation, aims to provide education and expertise to Colorado destination organizations seeking guidance on climate action planning for the tourism industry.

Colorado Electric Byways assists communities along the 26 Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways to install charging infrastructure.

CTO Learning Labs, is transitioning to a brand-new Learning Management System (LMS)! This upgrade is part of our commitment to delivering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience. As part of this transition, we’re rebuilding all Learning Labs content to ensure it’s even more effective in boosting participant knowledge and skills.

Destination Learning Labs provides industry partners with custom educational content designed to advance industry workforce by building a community of knowledgeable frontline workers who can ensure a positive experience for residents and visitors in their destination.