When talking about tourism in the U.S., several familiar cities and states come to mind. California, New York, and other high-profile cities are among them. But, perhaps it’s time to include Colorado in the picture. The state’s tourism numbers for the past two years more than speak for itself.

1. American Adventure Expeditions
12844 EAST HIGHWAYS 24 / 285, Buena Vista,
Colorado 81211
(719) 395-2409
Colorado’s Tourism
Industry By the Numbers

2. When talking about tourism in the U.S., several familiar cities and states come to mind.
California, New York, and other high-profile cities are among them. But, perhaps it’s time
to include Colorado in the picture. The state’s tourism numbers for the past two years more
than speak for itself.
Record Highs
According to the Denver Post, a record 71.3 million visitors spent time in Colorado in 2014.
That amounts to about $18.6 billion in revenue. Several people claim that this is a result of
the legalization of recreational marijuana. But, a poll from the Colorado tourism office
paints a different picture. According to 65 percent of respondents, legal weed isn’t the
cause of their visit. Only 16 percent claim that they’re likely to visit due to marijuana sales.
Fast forward to last year, the state’s tourism industry grew. It featured over 150,000 jobs,
contributed $976 million in local and state tax revenues, and improved to being worth
$17.3 billion.

3. Of course, Denver experienced a massive growth being the capital city. Last year, the Mile
High City saw 16.4 million visitors spend $5 billion in its confines. Hotels, retailers,
attractions, and restaurants reaped the most. And the economic impact of all this is
anything but minuscule. Colorado’s tourism sector represents one of the largest employers
in America, featuring more than 10 million direct and indirect jobs.
A Bright Outlook
What’s next for Colorado? It’s still the 17th most popular tourism destination, which means
it still has much to improve on. The Colorado Tourism Office is focusing on improving that
distinction. So far, the state is on the right track: projected low gas prices, the 100th
anniversary of the National Parks Service, and renovations of major hospitality
establishments.

4. Sources:
 https://www.americanadventure.com/
 http://ski.curbed.com/2015/6/26/9946042/colorado-tourism-record-setting
 http://www.denver.org/about-visit-denver/facts-and-figures/
Where Do People Flock to in Colorado?
The answer is simple: ski country. According to Dean Runyan and Associates, Denver
accounted for half of the state’s travel spending. Of that, 23 percent involved mountain
results. Ski towns and all the activity in them are key contributors. They supported 155,300
jobs in 2014, which is greater by 3.3 percent from the prior year. Overall, Colorado still
reigns as the country’s top ski destination. It shares 21 percent of all overnight ski trips in
the nation.