Program Summary

We’re excited to announce that CTO Learning Labs is transitioning to a 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.

We can’t wait to unveil the enhanced Learning Labs experience in the new year! Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch.

CTO Learning Labs is our free online educational platform designed for students, destination management and marketing organizations (DMMOs), hospitality staff, and tourism industry professionals. The platform helps learners at every level sharpen their skills and deepen their Colorado expertise so visitors feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired to return.

Overview

Type: Certification, education, and training

For: Tourism professionals

OEDIT division: Colorado Tourism Office

Destination Learning Lab Program

With the statewide need to advance industry workforce, the Destination Learning Lab Program aims to build a community of knowledgeable frontline workers who can ensure a positive experience for your residents and visitors.

Participants in the program will be paired with a CTO consultant and will receive their own destination learning lab on the CTO Learning Labs platform.

Eligible applicants include Destination Management Organizations (DMO). The CTO defines a DMO as a not-for-profit organization or governmental unit that typically is the recipient of jurisdictional lodging tax revenue and serves as the lead for the year-round tourism promotions and development efforts in a destination.

Example DMOs may include:

Destination marketing organizations (e.g. Convention & Visitors Bureau).
Lodging tax boards, committees, or panels.
Chambers of commerce or chamber resort associations.
Government entities in Colorado (federally recognized tribes and local governments).

Other considerations:

Only one application can be submitted for an individual destination.
Multiple organizations within a single destination should collaborate on a single program application.
Participation in previous Colorado Tourism Office programming does not impact eligibility or competitiveness.

Applications for the Destination Learning Lab Program will open on October 7, 2025.