Press Release - May is 'Rediscover Colorado Month'
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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, JR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
CONTACTS:
Caitlin Sullivan, 970.372.6571, csullivan@mmgmardiks.com
Matt Cheroutes, 303.892.3885, matt.cheroutes@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER PROCLAIMS MAY 'REDISCOVER COLORADO MONTH'
Gov. Bill Ritter, the Colorado Tourism Office and the entire tourism industry celebrated the beginning of the summer travel season at the Discover Colorado Rally today at the State Capitol. Gov. Ritter kicked off the rally by proclaiming May "Rediscover Colorado Month," and encouraged Coloradans to get out and explore their own backyards in May and throughout the entire summer season.
"As Coloradans, we are fortunate to live in a state filled with beautiful landscapes, rich culture and heritage and boundless recreational activities," Gov. Ritter said. "We don't have to travel far for an incredible and affordable vacation experience. I encourage all Coloradans to get out and explore all there is to see and do right here in our own backyard."
Click below to view larger photos or click here to listen to Gov. Ritter's remarks.
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To help travelers stretch their dollars further this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office also announced the launch of a new Hot Deals program at www.HOTDEALSCOLORADO.com. The Hot Deals program will provide those interested in Colorado travel deals with a one-stop-shop for great packages and promotions throughout the state.
"We are pleased to offer travelers this outstanding selection of vacation deals and packages," said Kim McNulty, director of the Colorado Tourism Office. "We understand that times are tough right now for many Americans, and that's why we are pleased to help Coloradans find the best deals possible to create lasting memories during a family vacation this summer."
Tourism industry members in attendance also used the rally as an opportunity to thank Gov. Ritter and state legislators for their continued support of Colorado's tourism industry and to promote greater public awareness of the economic, social and cultural impacts of travel and tourism.
Tourism is big business in Colorado. In 2007, every public dollar invested in promoting Colorado yielded $12.96 in state and local taxes and the state reaped $193 in traveler spending for every $1 spent on promotion. Approximately $763 million in state and local taxes were realized from traveler spending. Without travelers contributing to the economy, it is estimated that each Coloradan would have had to pay an additional $157 in local and state taxes.
"Tourism is one of the pillars of Colorado's economy and is one of the economic sectors at the heart of our overall economic development strategy," Gov. Ritter said. "Tourism equals jobs and revenue for Colorado. The tourism industry is vital to our economy and positively impacts each and every resident of this state."
Tourism, one of Colorado's leading industries, employs approximately 200,000 people statewide. According to the Longwoods International Colorado Travel Year 2007 report, Colorado attracted 28 million overnight visitors who spent approximately $9.8 billion in the state. Visitation information from 2008 is being analyzed and will be released in June.