| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 43 |
| Copyright: Other |
Colorado by Alan Moore
Tourism officials aim to make state year-round destination
It’s a hot winter spot, but will it attract the summer crowd?
Mesa Verde: the ancient ruins of the Anasazi culture can be viewed in this southwestern corner of the USA sales mission to the UK last month by Colorado’s tourism representatives has helped stimulate tour operator interest in the state as a summer destination as well as simply a winter sports area.
Kuoni plans to introduce two-week Colorado flydrives next year based on British Airways’ non-stop service from Gatwick to Denver.
US product manager Graham Bendelow said: “We are seeing a little bit of interest in Colorado as a summer destination, so the potential is there.
“It is still in the planning stages but we will probably offer an itinerary taking in some of the sights of Colorado and also use it as a springboard into New Mexico or Utah.”
Premier Holidays says that although the UK market to Colorado is still in its infancy, it is an area with big potential.
North American product manager Debbie Goffin said: “Our new Rocky Mountain Discovery self-drive tour is proving very popular. Passengers are also putting together their own itinerary based on our selection of hotels in Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, Grand Junction, Mesa Verde and Vail.”
She added that most clients heading for Colorado spend their entire two-week holiday within the state based on a circular tour in and out of Denver.
However, some operators feel it won’t become a mainstream summer destination, despite its popularity for skiers.
Funway Holidays managing director Stephen Hughes said: “It is big on outdoor attractions, such as its native Indian country, the Badlands and natural prairie.
“These areas have been virtually untouched for the last 100 years and still offer hick towns and small hotels. It is a delightful backwater but it is not sophisticated. Traditional mainstream operators depend on hotel allocations and facilities.”
However, Hughes thinks Colorado is an ideal choice for a motorhome holiday for the more experienced traveller who wants to be outdoors.
“However, soft adventure is on the increase and I think the popularity of the state’s outdoor activities will rise slowly but surely.”
Getaway Vacations is putting its faith in a new ex-Denver self-drive itinerary introduced for this summer. It is called Majesty of the Rockies and includes 14 nights accommodation with flights and car hire extra.
The package costs £645 based on two sharing with departures from May 15 to September 15 and includes Colorado Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Lake and Estes Park as well as points in Arizona and New Mexico.
Product manager Dominic Hodson said: “The summer flydrive market to Colorado is becoming quite popular. Given the nature of the size of the state and the driving distances, it is more ideal for couples who are going to appreciate the scenery and the history, such as the old mining towns.
British Airways Holidays has followed suit with the introduction of a Go as you please section for Colorado. It includes nightly prices for hotels in nine locations.
Product manager North America Nicki Herrington said: “Although we offer Colorado year round, we are seeing a particular demand in the summer months. It is seen as a real outdoor state and clients can add adventure elements locally, including biking, hiking and water activities.
“We also offer a pre-planned 14-night self-drive itinerary for those not wishing to create their own route, beginning with two nights in Denver, where BA flies direct.”
factfile
attractions
Colorado Springs: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Gold Rush towns of Cripple, Creek, Victor and Canyon City.
Summer sport: mountain biking in Durango
sample product
colorado
Premier Holidays: 14-night Rocky Mountain Discovery flydrive from £525 per person based on two sharing. Flights and car hire are extra.
British Airways Holidays: Colorado Wonders self-drive tour starts at £1,059 in June. Cost covers flights, car and hotel.