Destination Stewardship Planning Intern
About Solimar
Solimar International is a specialist consulting and marketing firm with a team of creative and experienced professionals who share a common vision of how sustainable tourism can stimulate economic growth while conserving natural resources and cultural heritage.
Our tourism consulting services focus on delivering innovative tourism assessment, destination development, and tourism marketing for our clients, which include international development organizations, tourism authorities, national and local governments, conservation organizations, tourism businesses and local communities.
We are tourism specialists that understand the importance of market-driven development strategies and have the tools and experience to connect businesses and destinations to international markets. We work in no other industry sector, providing clients with a laser-like focus on the needs of their industry, and the expertise required to address them.
Project Background
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT or State) has contracted Solimar International, Inc. to develop one statewide destination stewardship strategic plan, a glossary of terms for the Colorado tourism industry, and eight regional destination stewardship strategic plans.
Destination Stewardship in Colorado is a complex mosaic of tireless efforts by numerous stakeholders. Federal, state, and local land managers, destination organization partners, county and local governments, NGOs, universities, and the tourism industry have all invested incredible resources into maintaining and enhancing our state's appeal and stewarding our tourism resources.
This initiative is designed not to replace but to build on these commendable efforts. Our mission is to bring together these diverse and robust efforts, forging a unified approach to Destination Stewardship. By coordinating our initiatives, amplifying our strengths, and addressing our challenges collectively, we will help ensure that Colorado remains a premier destination for tourism while safeguarding our invaluable natural and cultural resources for generations to come.
Phases and Tasks
Phase 1: Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement (May and June)
- Attend and capture notes in a consistent format on a June 20th Zoom call with CADMO (Colorado Association of DMOs). This meeting will be designed to introduce the Destination Organizations to the planning process and recruit their participation so that they become active and important partners in the planning process.
- Attend and capture notes in a consistent format on virtual introductory and kick-off meetings with representatives from each regional destination stewardship action team once the participants are identified. These meetings are tentatively scheduled to take place between July 10 - 27, 2023.
- Attend interviews with key partners at the regional level.
Phase 2: Investigation and Listening (June/July/August)
- Support the production of a Situation Analysis Report to the CTO summarizing insights and issues identified through the research, interviews, surveys, and workshops. This report will be created with:
- Summary of one-on-one interviews in a consistent format
- Research and collection of all available data, plans, and reports related to tourism, conservation, and sustainability.
- Data analysis to identify any patterns, trends, or gaps in the collected research. This analysis will identify any potential threats or opportunities for the destination's tourism, conservation, and sustainability.
- Research and analysis of Colorado-specific current or upcoming strategic plans to understand how the CTO’s destination stewardship strategic plan can support and complement existing or upcoming efforts of partner organizations and agencies around the state.
- Support the development of a Best Practices Report & Recommendations Report through the following:
- Research best practices in destination stewardship in Colorado, across the US, and internationally
- Identify successful approaches and strategies that have been implemented in other destinations
- Provide valuable insights and learning opportunities that can be adapted to the unique needs and circumstances of Colorado’s destinations
- Ensure that the destination stewardship plan is aligned with broader industry trends and best practices
Requirements
- Pursuing a Bachelors or advanced degree in hospitality, tourism, natural resources management or related field
- Strong writing and analytical skills
- A passion for stewardship and sustainability
- Knowledge of the various regions of Colorado along with local stakeholder groups working in sustainability