Investing in Initiatives to Enhance Visitor Experiences Across the State

DENVER – Governor Polis and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), are pleased to announce the 13 recipients of the 2026 Tourism Management Grant. Organizations from across the state have been awarded grants for their innovative projects in the tourism sector, including Cripple Creek, Grand Junction, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, and Saguache County.

"Visitors who come to Colorado from across the nation and the world help drive local economies across the state. That is why investing in local organizations to boost tourism is good for visitors, our economy, and our future. I am excited to see how these investments can attract more visitors to communities across our beautiful state and improve visitor experience," said Governor Polis.

"Tourism Management Grants empower local leaders to improve the visitor experience across Colorado. By supporting these local efforts we can help strengthen Colorado's tourism industry and economy while benefitting both residents and visitors," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.

The Tourism Management Grant program supports projects that align with the CTO's strategic pillars of economic vitality, industry leadership, and destination stewardship. By investing in infrastructure, education and outreach, the program seeks to cultivate a resilient, innovative tourism ecosystem across the state that reflects the diverse interests and values of Colorado's communities. "The Colorado Tourism Office is committed to supporting tourism priorities in communities across the state. These Tourism Management Grants provide resources that help expand local capacity and bring community-driven tourism projects to life. We're thrilled to recognize this year's recipients," said CTO Director Timothy Wolfe.

A total of $222,456 in Tourism Management Grant funding will be awarded to 13 organizations. The initiatives recognized today range from signage and navigation improvements to visitor engagement projects and strategic planning, all aimed at enriching the visitor experience while promoting responsible and respectful use of Colorado's natural and cultural resources. The 2026 Tourism Management Grant recipients include:

• City of Cripple Creek - $20,000 to implement long-term signage and navigation improvements to connect visitors with the area's rich history.
• City of Grand Junction - $20,000 to support a comprehensive study for understanding of spending and travel patterns, lodging insights, visitor experience, visitor perception, and identification of key motivational factors for visiting and returning.
• City of Idaho Springs - $20,000 to implement the second phase of a wayfinding project to develop signage and visitor navigation tools that connect major attractions in Idaho Springs.
• City of Ouray - $20,000 to conduct a two-phase placemaking and cultural tourism strategic planning project designed to support research and development of assets and broaden Ouray's visitor experience.
• Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) - $8,000 to develop a curated visitor experience through a digital guide, providing visitors with an engaging way to explore Colorado's designated wine regions.
• Del Norte Chamber of Commerce - $11,440 to create and install wayfinding and informational directories throughout Del Norte to increase visitor engagement and exploration of the town's history.
• Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association - $12,000 to create a communitywide, stakeholder-based, accessibility strategic plan. This expands on findings from Glenwood Springs' participation in the Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel The World's 2025 Accessible Travel Pilot Program.
• Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce - $20,000 to develop a destination management plan designed to align the visitor economy with the city's character, residents' quality of life and long-term vision.
• Lake County Government - $20,000 to support a guided strategic planning process to identify sustainable, long-term restroom and waste solutions in and around the village of Twin Lakes.
• Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board - $20,000 to implement a wayfinding and river access signage system that will support visitor navigation and responsible recreation along the San Juan River.
• Saguache County Tourism Council - $12,016 to replace wayfinding signs at the strategic intersection of Highway 285 and Highway 112 with new signs to improve wayfinding and encourage visitors to visit the Town of Center.
• Town of Eagle - $20,000 to implement the second phase of a wayfinding project to install signage along primary corridors and expand pedestrian-oriented wayfinding to help improve how residents and visitors navigate the area.
• Town of Lyons - $19,000 to develop a heritage tourism experience for visitors to include interpretive signage, self-guided walking tours and storytelling.

About the Colorado Tourism Office

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The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The CTO seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and leadership. In 2024, Colorado travelers spent $28.5 billion, generating $1.9 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $816. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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