Meeting-goers high on Colorado
The three best-known Rocky Mountain cities of Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs have long drawn meeting-goers looking for outdoor adventures but now they are luring those who seek culture and high-end cuisine, according to meeting planners.
Despite heavy use of its airport, Denver is perhaps the least-known of the three.
"We are still a secret for a lot of people," says Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales and services for Visit Denver.
Despite its size, Denver is a walkable city. Its convention center is downtown and within walking distance of 8,300 rooms and more than 300 restaurants.
If visitors don’t want to walk, there’s a free shuttle running up and down the popular 16th Street Mall.
Boulder, located about 45 minutes from downtown Denver, is a city filled with active residents. Outdoor pursuits are extensive here, including hiking in the mountains and rock climbing.
Its lively pedestrian mall is Pearl Street.
The boast of Colorado Springs tourism officials is that it has 300 days of sunshine and 50 man-made and natural attractions.
"The destination is also very accessible whether through the Colorado Springs Airport or a short 70-mile drive from Denver," said Pam Sherfesee, vice president of sales for Experience Colorado Springs.
New properties set to open in Denver include The Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center, set to open in December across from the Colorado Convention Center. The property will feature 403 guest suites and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Finishing touches are being put on the new Four Seasons Hotel Denver with an opening date set for this fall. The property will be located in the heart of downtown Denver and will have 239 guest rooms, condo units and 17,000 square feet of meeting space.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive