Voices of Tourism

Voices of Tourism

The Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association (TA) is kicking off a series of columns called "Voices of Tourism." Questions will be posed to the TA's Board of Directors, staff and local residents about tourism and what it means to Gunnison County. For more information about the TA, visit www.gcbta.com and www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.

Joellen Fonken, TA President & Manager of Gunnison Shopper
Why is tourism important to our valley?
Colorado and Gunnison County are popular destinations that thrive on tourism. Proper nurturing of our wide array of activities, events, unique experiences, landscapes and natural features invite a sustainable economic tourism base that positively impacts all residents that live in the county. Many of us "locals" once came to this area in awe of what our visitors find and learn to love. We have much to share with the world.

How does tourism affect your life?
Working on Main Street in Gunnison, I watch visitors roam this primary artery of Gunnison with wonder. I find myself a helpful guide answering questions about what turn to make on a trail; where the best place is to ski; or where's the best steak or cup of Joe in the valley. After 20 years of clever answers, I realize I am a host almost 365 days a year. I rely on tourists not only to get paid every Friday, but to truly be proud of the place I call home.

What makes Gunnison-Crested Butte stand out from other destinations people can choose from?
"Magical names" like Tincup, Gothic, Aberdeen, Vulcan, Pittsburg, Dinner Station ... sure we have our Beaver, Dry and Spring creeks and a lot more. There's so much history in these names, and most of these special places are accessible to visitors. The amount of public lands within Gunnison County is a natural magnet, on top of our friendly climate (well, most years!) welcomes visitors to jump right in or observe at any level. Our full quiver of opportunities lures visitors across the spectrum to come and enjoy a self-indulgent vacation.

Loree Weisman, TA Founding Board Member & Owner of Crested Butte International Lodge & Hostel
Why is tourism important to our valley?
Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers to our county. It enables so many people on many different levels to call this paradise home. Tourism allows us access to amenities such good restaurants, recreational resources, doctors and a hospital, things that many small communities our size do not enjoy.

How does tourism affect your life?
Tourism is how I was able to stay in Crested Butte. I moved here in 1989 and worked several jobs including waitress, waitress, retail, waitress, office assistant, waitress, auditor etc. catering to tourists and enabling me to pay my bills. My then boyfriend, now husband Ward and I bought our first home in 1991 and turned it into the Alpine Lace Bed & Breakfast, catering to tourists to pay our mortgage. In 1997, we built the Crested Butte International Lodge & Hostel, catering to tourists who love to travel and are on a budget. In 1999, while on the Crested Butte Town Council, I began to work with the countywide community to start what is now the Tourism Association. I did this because tourism was my life, and in my opinion, the success of the entire tourist-based economy counted on the community coming together as an independent voice for tourism.

What makes Gunnison-Crested Butte stand out from other destinations people can choose from?
Our people and the costumes they wear. Our parades and events. Our location, natural resources, historic towns, unlimited recreational opportunities, and the absolute beauty of the place.

Wanda Bearth, TA Treasurer & Co-Owner of Crested Butte Lodging &
Property Management

Why is tourism important to our valley?
Tourism brings with it certain economic, cultural and environmental benefits.

• Our local economy depends on tourists to provide businesses with revenues, which in turn provide tax contributions. More than two-thirds of the school's budget is funded from local tax sources. Visitors also are potential investors as they may choose to relocate their business or family, and new investors stimulate economic growth.
• Cultural benefits include the development and maintenance of amenities, events, and theatre and arts programs that a community might not otherwise afford.
• The environmental benefit is realized as concern and interest grows in conserving and protecting the local ecosystem.

How does tourism impact your life?
The same elements that make the Gunnison Valley a desirable place to visit make the valley a desirable place to live. I am certain that without tourism, my choices for dining, shopping, doctoring and perhaps even car repair would be greatly limited. Maintaining a sustainable tourism strategy (tourism managed so that it does not negatively affect the local economy or environment) will be key in assuring that tourism affects my life (and yours) in a positive manner.

What makes the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley a unique place to visit?
We're unique thanks to the endless variety of activities that exist in our magnificently beautiful valley. Consider all the summertime options such as biking (with or without a motor), hiking, climbing, fishing and camping. In addition, we're home to 20 miles of water-related fun on the Blue Mesa and let's not forget the festivals or Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In winter, Mt. Crested Butte is known for a quality ski experience, and the backcountry is attractive and accessible via a variety of means such as skis, snowshoes and snowmobile. Where else is there such a variety of fun to be had and without crowds?

Stephen J. Pierotti, TA Secretary & Publisher/Co-Owner of Gunnison Country Publications

Why is tourism important to our valley?
Tourists bring dollars from outside the valley and leave them here for us. This is the motivating factor for the TA (our metric of success is the local marketing district tax paid by guests staying in area accommodations) and one aspect of why tourism is important to us. The not-so-obvious answer is that tourism brings the world to us. Let's face it, we're a pretty isolated place and some of us don't get very far when we vacation for ourselves. To have the opportunity to meet and greet folks from around the country and around the world from "our front porch" is an opportunity that not everyone has. Our valley is richer-culturally-because of the visitors we have.

How does tourism impact your life?
I am impacted most by the folks I see, hear and meet. For instance, the other day I was visiting with a good friend on the bench in front of The Bean and up rolled five motorcycles. Upon dismount, the German accents and cigarette smoke filled the sidewalk. I enjoy the German gusto that allows them to continue puffing away, and I see it as a personality of the culture. Had Gunnison's summer fully arrived and allowed touring motorcyclist to stay, I might have seen these folks out at the bar later and had an opportunity to visit with them. We could have exchanged questions and experienced a true cultural enrichment.

What makes the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley a unique place to visit?
I haven't been everywhere, but I've certainly been enough places for me to say with great confidence that it's the people of Gunnison-Crested Butte that really set us apart.

Molly Eldridge, TA Vice President, Red Lady Realty

Why is tourism important to our valley?
Tourism is a clean industry that produces jobs in beautiful places and allows some very lucky people to live in them. The money generated from tourism affects everyone who lives here: waitresses and people who work in hotels, contractors who build homes for visitors who end up wanting to spend more time here, and everyone who enjoys the great restaurants, shops and activities that wouldn't be here without the funds provided by visitors.

How does tourism affect your life?
As a realtor, the majority of my transactions do not involve people who live here but people who started out in the valley as a tourist. On a more personal level, I enjoy helping people get the most out of their visit here whether it is helping guide them places on the streets or answering questions on the phone.

How would you describe the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley to a potential visitor?
This is a great place to get away. We have everything that outdoorsy people want to do and for people who want to relax in an area with amazing views, which can be found here at every turn. Add great people who love to have fun and unique and different events to attend and you have the perfect vacation spot for everyone!

Jim Valenzuela, M.D, Water Wheel Inn, Gunnison

Why is tourism important to our valley?
Tourism contributes to our local economy immensely--lodging, food service, outfitting and retail are obviously related. Other economies such as medical services derive seasonal income from our visitors, and all the trades (e.g. plumbing and electrical) receive trickle-down income. Municipal budgets are supported by sales tax revenue.

How does tourism affect your life?
As a retired physician and now an innkeeper, tourism is the lifeblood of my business. Less pragmatically, our visitors are a delight. They come seeking relaxation, recreation and an authentic experience. I enjoy the process and interaction.

How would you describe the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley to a potential visitor?