The Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts honor six individuals and organizations that improve and innovate Colorado’s tourism industry. Awards are presented at the Governor's Tourism Conference each fall.
The Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman’s Award is awarded to extraordinary individuals’ commitment to tourism in Colorado. This year’s award was presented to Richard Scharf, President & CEO of VISIT DENVER. A former chair of the Colorado Tourism Board, past president of Tourism Industry Association of Colorado (TIAC), and the second person to ever be inducted into the Colorado Hotel Sales and Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame.
The Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative Award is presented to a community or region that has demonstrated excellence in a tourism event, promotion or project. This year’s award recipient was Visit Alamosa with the “We Love Our National Park” program.
The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Colorado Tourism is presented to an individual to recognize their tireless contributions to advancing the Colorado tourism industry. This award was presented to Ana Braverman, owner of Viajes Holam.
The Governor’s Award for Rising Tourism Star is a brand new award this year that recognizes an individual who is new to the tourism industry within the last five years and has demonstrated leadership, commitment and passion for the Colorado tourism industry. This year’s inaugural award was presented to Alexea Veneracion, Director of Communications at Visit Colorado Springs.
The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Sustainability Initiative honors an activity, event, project or program that reduces the impact of travelers on special places and natural resources in Colorado.The work in this area is more important than ever as travelers consider Colorado one of the leaders in protecting its natural resources. The winner for this year was the Breckenridge Tourism Office for their “B Like Breckenridge” program.
The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Marketing Program recognizes an event or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado. This award went to Visit Grand Junction for their “Outdoor Adventure Series.”
The Jack Snow Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who selflessly dedicated time and energy to furthering tourism in Colorado and bettering the visitor experience in the state. This year’s award went to Peggy Sorenson with Gold Camp Victorian Society, the Gold Camp Association and the Two Mile High Club.