Governor’s Awards honor Colorado tourism leaders

COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, honored seven individuals and four organizations Thursday during the Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts at the annual Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference.

Gov. Jared Polis praised the honorees for advancing a sector that contributes $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supports more than 470,000 jobs statewide. “We are grateful to this year’s honorees for their work to elevate this important part of our culture and economy,” Polis said.

This year’s conference took place at the newly opened Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, part of an Air Force Academy-affiliated development supported by the state’s Regional Tourism Act. The venue reflects the program’s goal of attracting new out-of-state visitors to Colorado.

Attendees explored topics including destination stewardship, accessibility, artificial intelligence in tourism, and international travel data. The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission also shared updates on the 2026 commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood.

“The Governor’s Tourism Conference is a testament to the dedication that drives our state’s tourism industry forward,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT executive director. “The remarkable contributions of this year’s award winners are vital to fostering innovation, promoting stewardship, and fueling economic growth.”

Timothy Wolfe, director of the Colorado Tourism Office, added, “This year’s award ceremony highlighted the forward-thinking work that ensures Colorado remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.”

Award Recipients

The 2025 Governor’s Awards recognized the following individuals and organizations for excellence in tourism:

• Adam Ducharme, Lake County Tourism and Economic Development director – Rising Tourism Star, for leadership in regenerative tourism and community partnerships in Leadville and Twin Lakes.
• Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder – Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion, for elevating Boulder’s national profile through inclusive marketing and event development.
• Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards – honoring Colorado’s frontline tourism and hospitality employees for outstanding service.
• Joseph R. Burtard, owner of JR’s Carriage Service – recognized for his leadership, storytelling and contributions to Western Colorado tourism.
• Zachary Lucas, train manager of the Rocky Mountaineer – honored for creating exceptional guest experiences on the Rockies to the Red Rocks route.
• Monica Rozelle, visitor information specialist and volunteer coordinator at Visit Manitou Springs – recognized for her work training volunteers and promoting local tourism.
• Jack Damioli, president and CEO of The Broadmoor – Colorado Tourism Office Board Chair’s Award, for maintaining the hotel’s record-setting Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond designations.
• Jim Watson, Friends of Dinosaur Ridge – Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer, for volunteering more than 1,400 hours and enhancing visitor experiences through education and creativity.
• National Sports Center for the Disabled – Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Tourism, for breaking barriers and redefining accessibility in outdoor recreation.
• Visit Denver, for the “This Is How We Denver” campaign – Creative Marketing Campaign (Large Budget), reaching 154 million people nationwide and generating $60 million in revenue.
• Visit Golden, for “Goldens in Golden” – Creative Marketing Campaign (Low Budget), creatively showcasing Golden as a family and pet-friendly destination.
• Visit Ouray, for “Do Ouray Right” – Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative, engaging visitors and residents in sustainable tourism practices and community stewardship.

The 2026 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference will take place Sept. 23–25 in Breckenridge at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, coinciding with celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood.