Today, the Tourism Industry Association of Colorado (TIAC) and the Colorado Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (CADMO), along with other communities across the state, announced that they have launched the “Colorado Pledge” as a show of support for communities affected by the Colorado wildfires.
The Colorado Pledge is a grassroots, consumer oriented program, designed to help encourage support for communities throughout Colorado that were impacted by the fires. The Colorado Pledge is simply a pledge made by tourists or guests to visit a location within Colorado that has been affected by the wildfires.
Participating tourism bureaus, tourism-related businesses and towns and cities across the state will post the Pledge for visitors to take, indicating that they have committed to visiting an area in Colorado that has been affected by the fires. Visitors can show their support by visiting a local restaurant, booking lodging accommodations, touring a special attraction or participating in local activities or events. Guests are also encouraged to share the Pledge with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter (with the hashtag #coloradopledge) and other social platforms.
Both out-of-state and in-state visitors can take part in the Colorado Pledge by visiting a location within Colorado that has been affected by the fires. Thanks to the work of dedicated fire personnel and municipalities across the state, communities are now able to focus on their town or city’s recovery.
“Any community impacted by a wildfire is now looking to recover its economy and tourism is a part of our economy. Because tourism is a large factor in the recovery process, the “Colorado Pledge” provides such communities with a vote of confidence, which says, we know you’ve had some hard times, but we’ll be there for you,” said Michele Starling, executive director of Pikes Peak Country Attractions.
As the tourism bureau for Eagle County, Vail Valley Partnership understands the impacts of tourism at the local, regional and state level.
“It is important to recognize the importance of tourism to Colorado’s economy and the Colorado Pledge was established by the industry to support our neighbors adversely affected by wildfires,” said Chris Romer, executive director of Vail Valley Partnership.
Visitors interested in showing their support can first take the Pledge and then go to Colorado.com for updates on the areas impacted by fires and links to visitor information in each area.
“When it really comes down to it, people want to help one another in a time of crisis,” said Starling.
For more information on the “Colorado Pledge” or to learn how your business or organization can become involved, please email Michele Starling, executive director of Pikes Peak Country Attractions.