Editor’s note: The following is a monthly column submitted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber

Steamboat Springs has long been a community that welcomes visitors from around the world to share our beautiful landscapes and recreation, our history, and our way of life. As the travel landscape changes and our community continues to evolve, we face an important challenge: how to ensure tourism benefits our community while protecting what makes Steamboat so special.

That’s where the Chamber’s Destination Stewardship work comes in. Last year, we adopted the Destination Stewardship Action Plan. This plan is built on three pillars, economy, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship, and is designed to guide us toward a future that benefits both visitors and residents alike.

It’s not simply about bringing in more visitors, though that is important; it’s about ensuring that our town remains livable, authentic, and sustainable for generations to come. And we’re about to wrap up our first year implementing the plan.

So, what did we accomplish this year?  We focused on the three pillars, created programs, and engaged visitors and residents for each. Here’s how:

The economy pillar recognizes that tourism is a key driver of our local prosperity. Did you know that the taxes that visitors pay save each Routt County household over $4,000 each year?  Tourism also supports the accommodations tax fund that can be used for things like maintenance and acquisition of property for parks, the short-term rental tax that funds affordable and attainable housing, and close to 50% of our sales tax comes from visitors.

This summer, we targeted visitors already in town to help get more value from their visit. During the fall, our efforts are focused on drawing visitors to town to help support businesses and strengthen tax revenues during the shoulder season, providing stability in a time when sales might otherwise dip. We also partnered with Steamboat Mountain Village to breathe new life into OktoberWest and generate more out-of-town visits.

The environmental stewardship pillar ensures we protect the natural resources that draw visitors here in the first place. This summer, the Chamber led the “Do Steamboat Springs Right” campaign, encouraging responsible recreation, respecting wildlife, and using alternative transportation.  In partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office and Expedia, we stocked hotel rooms and condos with reusable bags and water bottles. 

Plus, we shared tips for visitors to make the most out of their trip, responsibly. Our team engaged with visitors and residents at the Farmer’s Market, special events, and via social media. Were you one of the dozens of people who picked up trash on the trail for a free hat, or swapped your disposable water bottle for a new reusable one?  We also partnered with the Routt Recreation and Conservation Roundtable to create the Routt Recreation Pledge. Look for the Pledge when you’re enjoying our wild outdoors.

The cultural heritage pillar highlights what makes Steamboat unique beyond its natural beauty. From our ranching traditions to the arts, events, and festivals that bring people together, the Chamber is committed to preserving the character and stories that make Steamboat “Steamboat.”  

We expanded the Do Steamboat Springs Right campaign to include ways to enjoy the rich arts and culture scene. By sharing these authentic experiences with visitors, we celebrate our heritage while fostering a deeper connection between guests and our community.

At the heart of this work is the need for harmony —between the need for tourism and the quality of life for locals. We want our community to thrive economically while continuing to preserve our environment, heritage, or sense of place. By embracing stewardship, we are working to shape a future where residents feel proud to live here, and visitors leave with a greater respect for our home.

Laura Soard is the Steamboat Springs Chamber’s Senior Director of Destination Development & Communications.