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Colorado tourism industry generates $28.5 billion in visitor spending
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 8, 2026//
San Juan Mountains, Deposit Photos.
San Juan Mountains, Deposit Photos.
Colorado tourism industry generates $28.5 billion in visitor spending
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 8, 2026//
In Brief:
- Colorado tourism office reports $28.5 billion visitor spending
- Tourism supports more than 457,000 jobs statewide
- Tourism generates $1.9 billion in local and state tax revenue
- Destination stewardship plan developed with 1,000+ stakeholders
DENVER — Colorado Tourism Office officials marked National Travel and Tourism Week this week, highlighting tourism’s economic impact across the state.
National Travel and Tourism Week runs May 3-9 and carries the theme “Travel is Essential.”
Gov. Jared Polis said tourism supports jobs and economic activity across the state.
“National Travel and Tourism Week highlights how tourism grows our economy, creates new jobs, and encourages innovation across the state,” Polis said in a statement.
According to the Colorado Tourism Office, visitors spent $28.5 billion in Colorado in 2024. The industry supported more than 457,000 jobs and generated $10.4 billion in earnings.
State officials said tourism activity also generated $1.9 billion in local and state tax revenue, which equated to an estimated $800 benefit per Colorado household.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Executive Director Eve Lieberman said the tourism office also promotes lesser-known destinations and responsible travel practices.
The tourism office released a Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan in 2024 aimed at balancing tourism growth with residents’ quality of life and the protection of natural and cultural resources. Officials said the plan was developed with input from more than 1,000 stakeholders across the state.
Colorado Tourism Office Director Timothy Wolfe said the tourism industry depends on communities, destinations and outdoor recreation opportunities across Colorado.
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