Destination Development Program
The Destination Development Program exists to address the need to drive economic growth in rural Colorado by providing tourism-related education, funding, and support with the goals of increasing visitor spending, strengthening local economies and bolstering community pride.
Goals of the Destination Development Program:
- Increase traveler spending through creation and branding of new traveler experiences in less visited areas of Colorado
- Empower rural destination partners to develop and promote tourism assets
- Be inclusive of all industry segments
- Support development of programs to enhance visitor readiness
We also provide assistance within these specific industry segments:
- Culinary & Agritourism
- Heritage & Cultural Tourism
- Rural Adventure Tourism
Meet your Colorado Tourism Office Destination Development Team:
- Jill Corbin, CTO, Director of Destination Development, jill.corbin@state.co.us
- Elizabeth O’Rear, CTO Senior Manager of Grant Programs, elizabeth.orear@state.co.us
- Katie Payer, CRAFT Contractor, katie.payer@colorado.com
- Carly Holbrook, PR Strategist for Destination Development, carly.holbrook@colorado.com
- Caitlin Johnson, PR Strategist for Destination Development, caitlintjohnsonpr@gmail.com
Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT)
CRAFT provides broad, comprehensive tourism education and training for communities or regions wishing to understand how to leverage and incorporate tourism as a part of their rural economic development strategy.
Funding Support – Sponsorships, Scholarships & Grants
Find out how to apply for Destination Development sponsorships, grants and more.
PR & Social Media Support
Marketing and public relations are key to bringing people to your business, farm, ranch museum or outdoor recreation experience.
Additional Resources
Haven’t found what you are looking for? Here is a list of other agencies and organizations that might be able to provide you with the information you need.