By Anne Klein
Special to The SUN
The annual Southwest Tourism Summit hosts the second annual conference April 24, 25 and 26 in Durango.
The Summit provides regional tourism businesses and organizations with valuable knowledge through educational seminars, workshops and presentations by key leaders in the tourism industry from throughout Colorado and the Four Corners Region — all in one place, at one time.
“The Southwest Tourism Summit is the ideal forum for collaboration between destinations, regions, associations and states who are devoted to promoting tourism in the southwest region,” says Carrie Whitley, Summit co-director. “We are striving to grow our tourism outreach through best practices. The education sessions, workshops and seminars provide an opportunity for experienced tourism-focused businesses and tourism first timers alike to learn and grow.”
All southwest businesses and organizations with an interest in tourism are invited to participate in the annual conference. The Summit offers something for everyone; from ranch owners learning about agritourism, to businesses learning how to reach visitors inside and outside our area and state, to area attractions learning how to increase their draw from visitors from around the world.
Register at: http://www.swtourismsummit.com/.
Take advantage of Early Bird Registration by registering before April 1. Early Bird Registration is a great value at $59 for single registrants or save more by registering two staff members from your business or organization for only $99 (both attendees must be with the same business or organization).
After April 1, the registration fee will be $99 per attendee. There is also a Partner Pass available for the Icebreaker Reception at $15 per person. Partner must attend with registered attendee.
Presentations, seminars, workshops and educational sessions will focus on all aspects of tourism marketing and sales. Topics will include tourism trends, partnership opportunities, social media, marketing, public relations, agritourism, Internet technology, international markets, FAM tours and much more.
Presentations and speeches from: Colorado Tourism Office Al White, executive director; John Ricks, associate director; Michael Driver, program manager, International Promotions; Laura Grey, program manager of Heritage and Agritourism; Amber Kollman, director of consumer marketing; Kelly Barbello, Welcome Center program manager and Andrea Dean, project manager Miles Partnership; Laurie Frantz, Grand Circle Association associate manager; Carrie Whitley, president, Tour Colorado and more.
