Colorado remains No. 1 overnight ski destination

Colorado’s tourism industry continued to break records in 2007, welcoming 28 million domestic overnight visitors — an all time high for the state.

This is Colorado’s fourth year of consecutive growth, according to the Colorado Tourism Office.

Overall, overnight visitors to Colorado in 2007 increased 4% over 2006 (26.9 million visitors).

On a national scale, Colorado also made headway.

Colorado’s national share of marketable travel rose from 2.35% in 2006 to 2.5% in 2007.

Travel spending in the state reached new heights as well. Overall domestic visitor expenditures reached a record $9.8 billion in 2007, up 10% over $8.9 billion in 2006.

“Colorado’s market share increase is extremely significant given the intensely competitive national marketplace,” said Kim McNulty, director of the Colorado Tourism Office. “It continues to validate that marketing and promotion investments are furthering Colorado’s recognition as a top tourist destination.”

Colorado remains in first place nationally as an overnight ski destination, maintaining a huge lead over rival Western and Northeastern states with 20% market share.

Report by David Wilkening