The Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts honor individuals and organizations by recognizing excellence in the Colorado tourism industry. Awards are presented at the Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference each fall during an awards ceremony.

Nominations are now open!

Categories

Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards

Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards Nomination Form

• Recognizes individuals on the frontlines of Colorado’s tourism industry who exemplify outstanding hospitality and a deep commitment to creating positive, memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. These dedicated professionals play a vital role in shaping the perception of Colorado as a welcoming, world-class destination.
• Frontline Hospitality Workers are defined as individuals whose primary roles involve direct interaction with residents and/or visitors in providing goods or services. This may include, but is not limited to, positions in lodging, food and beverage, retail, recreation, attractions, transportation, visitor services, and event support.
• Three winners will be selected to ensure representation from diverse regions and sectors across the state, with the number of awards determined based on available resources and recognition opportunities.

Governor’s Award for Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Tourism

Governor’s Award for Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Inclusion in Tourism Nomination Form

• Recognizes and 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. 

Governor's Award for Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative (formerly Governor’s Award for Exemplary Community Tourism Initiative)

Governor's Award for Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative Nomination Form

• Recognizes a Colorado community, Tribal nation, or region that has designed and delivered a collaborative program, project, or policy that directly advances the Colorado Tourism Office’s Destination Stewardship Plan. Honorees balance visitor economy benefits with protection of natural and cultural resources, cultivate resident support and quality of life, and track clear, data‑driven results. The winning initiative serves as a replicable model for using tourism as a force for good, showing how inclusive governance, innovation, and long‑term commitment can create thriving places for both residents and visitors.

Governor’s Award for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion

Governor’s Award for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion Nomination Form

• Recognizes an individual that has been in the tourism industry for more than five years and has made significant contributions towards promoting and developing the Colorado tourism industry.

Governor’s Award for Rising Tourism Star 

Governor’s Award for Rising Tourism Star Nomination Form

• Recognizes an individual who is new to the tourism industry – within the last five years – and has shown leadership, commitment and a passion for Colorado’s tourism industry.

Governor’s Award for Creative Marketing Campaign (Large Budget Category $100,000 or More)

Governor’s Award for Creative Marketing Campaign (Large Budget Category) Nomination Form 

• Recognizes a Colorado organization for either a single targeted promotion or a full campaign that demonstrates creativity and excellence in promoting tourism to both domestic and/or international audiences.

Governor’s Award for Creative Marketing Campaign (Low Budget Category $100,000 or Less)

Governor’s Award for Creative Marketing Campaign (Small Budget Category) Nomination Form

• Recognizes a Colorado organization for either a single targeted promotion or a full campaign that demonstrates creativity and excellence in promoting tourism to both domestic and/or international audiences.

Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer

Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer Nomination Form

• Recognizes an individual who has volunteered their time by promoting Colorado and provides exemplary customer service.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Jack Snow for his 26 years of volunteer service at the Trinidad Colorado Welcome Center. Jack served his community by sharing his great knowledge and love for the state, which is now carried on by his wife, Barbara Snow, who is also a lifetime volunteer at the Welcome Center. “He would be humbled but pleased that the state is acknowledging the value of welcome center volunteers,” said Barbara. 

Type: Awards

For: Tourism professionals and organizations

Application period: June 3-July 1, 2025

OEDIT division: Colorado Tourism Office