COLORADO SPRINGS – Last night, at the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference, the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), recognized the 2025 recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts. The CTO honored individuals and organizations for excellence in the Colorado tourism industry and announced Breckenridge as the host of the 2026 Governor’s Tourism Conference.
“Colorado's tourism industry contributes $28.5 billion to our economy and supports over 470,525 jobs across the state. We are grateful to this year’s honorees’ work to elevate this important part of our culture and economy,” said Gov. Polis.
This year’s conference was set against the stunning backdrop of the new Hotel Polaris, which is part of an Airforce Academy affiliated development supported by the state’s Regional Tourism Act managed by OEDIT, in recognition of its unique potential to attract new, out-of-state visitors to Colorado.
Conference attendees engaged in a diverse range of sessions addressing the dynamic changes and emerging trends shaping the future of travel in Colorado, including destination stewardship, accessible and inclusive travel, AI in tourism, international travel data and more. This year, the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission was also in attendance to raise awareness about the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration. Celebrations throughout 2026 will honor the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.
“The Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference is a testament to the collective spirit and 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 in fostering innovation, promoting stewardship, and ensuring that tourism continues to be a powerful engine for economic growth, enabling all Coloradans to thrive.”
The 2025 Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts recognized seven individuals and four organizations, including Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards, the Governor’s Award for Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative, Rising Tourism Star and Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion.
“The Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference is a powerful platform that underscores our collective commitment to advancing Colorado’s tourism industry with a focus on innovation, stewardship and inclusivity,” said Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office Director. “This year’s award ceremony has once again highlighted the forward-thinking work that’s helping ensure Colorado remains a top destination for travelers worldwide, for generations to come.”
The 2025 Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts include:
- Adam Ducharme, Tourism & Economic Development Director with Lake County Government - The Governor’s Award for Rising Tourism Star Celebrates an individual who is new to the tourism industry within the last five years and has demonstrated leadership, commitment and passion for the Colorado tourism industry. Adam Ducharme is recognized for his leadership in Leadville–Twin Lakes, enhancing visitor experiences, championing regenerative tourism, expanding accessibility, and strengthening community partnerships that preserve and celebrate the region’s heritage and natural beauty.
- Charlene Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer with Visit Boulder - The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Champion Celebrates an individual to recognize their tireless contributions to advancing the Colorado tourism industry. Charlene Hoffman is recognized for elevating Boulder’s profile through destination marketing and DEI-focused hospitality programs. Additionally, Hoffman worked to secure high-profile events, including the Sundance Film Festival, driving inclusive tourism growth and inspiring leadership across Colorado’s industry.
- The Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Awards Formerly the Frontline Tourism Worker Awards. Celebrates individuals for their outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality in Colorado.
- Joseph R. Burtard, Owner of JR’s Carriage Service With a career rooted in service, leadership, and storytelling, Joseph Burtard is a respected figure in Western Colorado tourism—through his business and his commitment to community development, youth mentorship, public advocacy, and preserving Colorado’s cultural identity.
- Zachary Lucas, Train Manager of the Rocky Mountaineer Responsible for greeting guests and managing the training program for the Rockies to the Red Rocks route, Zachary Lucas helps team members embody professionalism, accountability, and hospitality, creating memorable moments for guests.
- Monica Rozelle, Visitor Information Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator at Visit Manitou Springs Monica Rozelle oversees front desk volunteer training, serves as a tour bus guide, and develops relationships with local businesses, supporting the area’s tourism with her knowledge and dedication. Jack Damioli, President and CEO at The Broadmoor - The Colorado Tourism Office Board Chair’s Award Celebrates an extraordinary individuals’ commitment to tourism in Colorado.
- Jack Damioli is recognized for his leadership at The Broadmoor, helping maintain the hotel’s distinction as the longest-running consecutive recipient of the Forbes Five-Star Award and the AAA Five-Diamond Award.
- Jim Watson with Friends of Dinosaur Ridge - The Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer Celebrates an individual who selflessly dedicated time and energy to furthering tourism in Colorado and bettering the visitor experience in the state. Jim Watson is recognized for his knowledge and creativity at Dinosaur Ridge, volunteering over 1,400 hours and making every experience memorable for visitors.
- National Sports Center for the Disabled - The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Tourism Celebrates an individual or organization that has shown exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives to drive meaningful change and impact in Colorado’s hospitality and tourism industry. The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) removes barriers for individuals with cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities, inspiring communities to rethink what accessibility and equity in outdoor recreation can look like.
- Visit Denver for This is How We Denver - The Governor’s Awards for Creative Marketing Campaign (Large Budget Category $100,000 or More) Celebrates a Colorado organization for either a single targeted promotion or a full campaign that demonstrates creativity and excellence in promoting tourism to both domestic and/or international audiences. Capturing the city’s unique duality of urban energy and outdoor adventure, Visit Denver’s “This Is How We Denver” campaign reached nearly 154 million people nationwide, generating over 300,000 trips and $60 million in revenue, strengthening Denver’s brand and generating meaningful economic impact.
- Visit Golden for Golden’s in Golden - The Governor’s Awards for Creative Marketing Campaign (Low Budget Category $100,000 or Less) Celebrates a Colorado organization for either a single targeted promotion or a full campaign that demonstrates creativity and excellence in promoting tourism to both domestic and/or international audiences. Through a golden retriever gathering and promotions, Visit Golden’s “Goldens in Golden” campaign creatively highlighted Golden as a family and pet-friendly destination, boosting local businesses and increasing hotel bookings.
- Visit Ouray for Do Ouray Right - The Governor’s Award for Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative Formerly Governor’s Award for Exemplary Community Tourism Initiative. Celebrates a Colorado community, Tribal nation, or region that has designed and delivered a collaborative program, project, or policy that directly advances the Colorado Tourism Office’s Destination Stewardship Plan. Do Ouray Right engages visitors and residents through ambassador programs, educational tools, and hands-on voluntourism projects that protect natural and cultural resources while promoting responsible tourism.
The 2026 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference will be held in Breckenridge at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center September 23-25, 2026. The city is poised to provide a vibrant setting to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.
About the Colorado Tourism Office
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The CTO seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership. In 2023, Colorado travelers spent $28.2 billion, generating $1.8 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $800. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
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