The state of Colorado Tourism Office targets culture, heritage and agritourism in its message to potential visitors from across the nation.
In 2007 there were 640 farms and ranches in Colorado that had agritourism ventures with $33 million in revenue. Small farms and ranches actually provide more in agritourism than the large operations in the state. With that in mind Colorado became the only state that dedicates tourism funds for agritourism marketing.
Tourism, in general, is an important industry in the Colorado. Tourism supported 144,600 jobs directly related to tourism that generated $4.3 billion in earnings in the state.
The Colorado Tourism Office has looked at the numbers and discovered that $17 billion was generated in the state through tourism and 60 percent of those dollars were spent on lodging.
Some $9.8 million was generated in state and local taxes, which means that a family of four is saving $757 that doesn't have to be paid in taxes.
When the state tourism officials look at the numbers, they also look at what people do and where they spend their money. Below is a list of activities visitors to our state enjoy:
74 percent dine at locally owned restaurants.
15 percent shop at farmers markets, road side stands and you-pick-it vendors.
22 percent visit historic sights.
20 percent like to seek wildlife.
8 percent do wine tours.
3 percent enjoy bird watching.
2 percent visit farm-to-table events.
80 percent of these visitors participate in one or more of these activities.
The tourism office suggested that communities cluster activities for visitors so there is more than one reason to come, stay and explore. For example, in the Mancos Valley, Mesa Verde National Park is a primary driver for bringing people to our community, but Mancos State Park, downtown shops, galleries and restaurants can be secondary attractions to keep people in the valley. In addition, there are hiking and biking trails, the farmers market, and other day trips with the San Juan Skyway, the Anasazi Heritage Center and horseback riding adventures.
The Mancos Valley is well-situated to take advantage of all that the tourism industry can offer to us. The Mancos Valley has the resources that attract visitors from national and international scenes.
REMINDER NOTICE
Applications for the Chamber of Commerce grant is due Nov. 1. You can find the application online at www.mancosvalley.com. Or you can call 533-7434, and I will be glad to send one to you. You can also send an email to chamber@mancosvalley.com to receive one via e-mail. Please, feel free to call if you have questions about filling out the application form.
Marianne Griffin is the executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or contact her at 533-7434. You can also visit chamber@mancosvalley.com for more information.