Hospitality/Tourism/Conventions

Hospitable-lookin lady

The tourism and hospitality industries include performing arts, entertainment and recreation, as well as accommodations and food services. This sector encompasses the recreational and entertainment activities of Colorado residents, tourists and business travelers. Over the years, Colorado’s appeal has expanded beyond the natural environment to include sports, entertainment, cultural attractions and business.

Tourism is a major economic generator for the state, with 27.5 million domestic visitors taking overnight trips in 2009. Colorado is home to one world heritage site, four national parks and six national monuments. In terms of jobs, tourism is the second largest industry in the state, employing 143,700 people.

Executive Summary: Hospitality/Tourism/Conventions Industries
Basic Information
2010 Industry Jobs 15,354
2020 Industry Jobs 19,371
Total Change 4,017
Total % Change 26.17%
Current Average Earnings per Worker $31,815
Economic Indicators
2010 Location Quotient

1.01
2020 Location Quotient

1.07
Shift Share: Regional Competitiveness Effect

1,481
Shift Share: Industrial Mix Effect

540
Shift Share: National Effect

1,996
Industry Change Summary
Description 2010 Jobs 2020 Jobs Change % Change Current EPW
Regional Total 15,354 19,371 4,017 26% $31,815
State Total 133,167 158,730 25,563 19% $27,359
National Total 5,969,052 6,847,168 878,116 15% $29,364

Source: EMSI Complete Employment - 3rd Quarter 2010

Related Success Stories

The PACE Center

The PACE Center is really an expansion and diversification of the Town of Parker.  Located in historic downtown Parker, the PACE Center will be home to a 500-seat theater, 250-seat amphitheater, art gallery, event room, dance studio, culinary kitchen and several classrooms. PACE will provide a wide variety of local, regional and national cultural, arts, scientific and educational programming to the region and serve as a rental venue for community, business and social events. We are excited to be able to add arts and culture to the mix of offerings that Parker boasts.  The PACE center enhances Parker as a destination – with destinations come shoppers, diners and folks considering new places to live.  The PACE Center will bring people to town that otherwise might not have come.  New visitors equal economic injection. In addition, when companies look to relocate or expand into new territories often the more affluent the company is, the more they demand a well-balanced community that includes, parks, open space, environmental responsibility and yes, arts and culture.  Greater Parker is looking forward to working with Jeanenne Bragg and her staff to fully leverage the PACE Center and truly recognize it as a driving force in economic development.

The Colorado Horse Park

The Colorado Horse Park has several new small shows, but the main event, The Summer Circuit, is expanding from 3 to 7 weeks. Hotels and restaurants will feel the impact of several thousand out of town guests.  These shows are expected to grow to up to 2,000 horses from all over the country, Mexico and Canada.  The Horse Park also hopes and expects to be able to bond for their new indoor arenas in the fall of 2012, turning The Colorado Horse Park into a year round facility which will offer businesses in the community sustained impact.  The Colorado Horse Park is second only to the Kentucky Horse Park for volume now with these additions in the nation.