As we move into the fall season, we turn our focus inward as we search for ways to promote our community and those around us.
Collaboration is not about losing each community’s unique identity. Pagosa Springs, Durango and the surrounding communities each offer distinctive experiences, strengths and character. Collaboration allows us to celebrate those differences while also presenting a stronger, more complete regional story to visitors, prospective residents, entrepreneurs and investors.
Economic development does not stop at city limits or county lines. Workforce availability, housing, transportation, visitor development, business recruitment, infrastructure, child care and quality-of-life amenities all affect the broader region. By communicating regularly, sharing resources, promoting one another and identifying common goals, communities can build a stronger and more resilient regional economy.
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight regional collaboration with the Durango Chamber of Commerce.
One recent example is the collaborative staycation package, developed to encourage residents and visitors to experience more of the exceptional recreation, dining, lodging, shopping, arts and attractions available throughout both Pagosa Springs and Durango. Rather than viewing neighboring communities as competitors for visitor dollars, the two Chambers are demonstrating the value of working together to keep travelers in the region longer, expand visitor spending and introduce new audiences to each destination.
The staycation package provides an appealing way for people to plan a short getaway close to home while supporting locally owned businesses.
A visitor who comes to enjoy Pagosa Springs’ hot springs, scenic beauty, trails, restaurants and small-town hospitality may also choose to extend their trip with time in Durango. Likewise, travelers drawn to Durango’s historic downtown, rail experiences, cultural offerings and outdoor recreation may discover that Pagosa Springs is the perfect addition to their itinerary.
This type of partnership benefits more than tourism. When visitors stay another night, dine at another restaurant, shop at another local store, book another activity or return for a future trip, that additional economic activity supports jobs, entrepreneurs, lodging properties and community services across the region.
I have seen more collaborations, and I hope to see more in the future.
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