Introduction: A healthy climate is essential for preserving biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems while safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations. Climate change, with its long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, poses a significant threat to the tourism industry, which is both vulnerable to its effects and a contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Of particular relevance to the ski industry in Colorado, climate change has reduced and more variable natural snow, has increased snowmaking requirements and costs. Climate action in tourism involves measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as mitigating the impacts of climate change. Opportunities for Colorado include encouraging sustainable practices such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, climate incentive guides to streamline access to rebates and grants, and sustainable aviation initiatives. Encouraging renewable energy adoption, low-emission transportation, electric off-highway vehicles, and EV rentals can help visitors reduce their impact. Educational resources and climate action initiatives will foster transparency and accountability within the industry.

Goal: Champion tourism practices that mitigate the industry’s climate impact and adapt to changing environmental conditions to foster the long-term sustainability and resilience of Colorado’s tourism sector.

Objective: By 2035, at least 500 tourism businesses will be participating in the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) committed to improving the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.

Strategies

Climate 1: Encourage Sustainable Tourism Business Practices

By collaborating with the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) and initiatives like Actively Green, this strategy aims to assist tourism businesses in adopting practices that enhance energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. By implementing these measures, Colorado’s tourism industry not only reduces its environmental impact but also positions the state as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and climate action.

Climate 2: Advance Sustainable Aviation Initiatives

This strategy centers on expanding the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies, aligning with Colorado’s position as a leader in aviation innovation and greenhouse gas reduction. Through partnerships with research entities like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and initiatives focused on alternative aviation technologies, Colorado aims to establish a model for sustainable aviation on a national scale. This includes exploring battery-powered, hydrogen-fueled, and SAF-powered aircraft, supported by the development of necessary infrastructure and policy frameworks. This strategy also emphasizes the role of the tourism industry in educating travelers about sustainable aviation options, empowering them to make informed choices that contribute to reducing their carbon footprint when visiting Colorado.

Climate 3: Support Renewable Energy in the Tourism Sector

The purpose of this strategy is to encourage tourism businesses to adopt renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. This involves advocating for grid-tied utility programs and providing incentives for installing renewable energy systems. Collaborating with energy providers and leveraging available incentive programs, the Colorado Energy Office aims to facilitate this shift, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the tourism sector.

Climate 4: Transition Tourism Fleets and Public Shuttles to Clean Energy

By adopting electric and low-emission vehicles, this strategy aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas. The shift towards clean energy not only supports Colorado’s environmental goals but also enhances the overall visitor experience by promoting quieter, cleaner, and more efficient travel options. Ultimately, this initiative can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment and position Colorado as a leader in clean energy tourism transportation.

Climate 5: Promote Electric Off-Highway Vehicles

The increasing popularity of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) for recreational and adventure tourism in Colorado presents an opportunity to address their environmental impact. Given the lack of emissions regulations comparable to passenger cars, transitioning to electric off-highway vehicles (e-OHVs) becomes a critical step toward mitigating climate change contributions from the tourism sector. To support this shift, the Colorado Energy Office, in collaboration with manufacturers and industry stakeholders, can encourage the adoption of e-OHVs through incentive programs and promotional campaigns aimed at both tourism operators and travelers. A secondary benefit of promoting electric OHVs is the reduction in noise pollution as they are significantly quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.

Climate 6: Expand and Promote Electromobility Options for Visitors

To minimize the carbon footprint of travel in Colorado, it’s crucial to expand and promote e-mobility options for visitors. This includes increasing the availability and visibility of EVs, e-bikes, and eco-friendly public transport solutions statewide, as detailed in the Transportation section of this plan. Collaborating with local municipalities, transportation providers, rental agencies, and tourism businesses will integrate these sustainable transportation methods into the visitor experience, enhancing convenience and appeal for choosing green travel options. Highlighting e-mobility in marketing materials and digital platforms will further incentivize visitors to embrace environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Climate 7: Encourage Diverse, Climate-Adaptive Tourism Offerings

Snowfall in Colorado fluctuates annually, increasingly influenced by climate change, resulting in unpredictable ski seasons for mountain resort communities. The state can diversify its tourism portfolio to include a broader range of activities that are not dependent on snow. By collaborating with local communities, tourism operators, and the CTO, the initiative seeks to identify and support the creation of alternative attractions and experiences that can thrive year-round and under different climatic scenarios.

Climate 8: Champion Natural Habitat Restoration

By engaging in reforestation, trail restoration, wetland preservation, and wildlife protection efforts, we strengthen our natural environment’s resilience to climate change while safeguarding Colorado’s ecological beauty and integrity. The RESTORE Colorado Program, in collaboration with GOCO, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and other partners, exemplifies a strategic approach to fund large-scale restoration projects in crucial habitats in Colorado. This strategy prioritizes enhancing watershed resilience, preserving grasslands, sagebrush rangelands, and protecting big-game habitats, supporting the vitality of our natural landscapes.

Climate 9: Facilitate the Creation of Destination-Specific Climate Action Plans

This strategy focuses on providing DMOs with essential tools and education to develop and implement tailored climate action plans. The goal is to empower DMOs to take the lead in sustainability practices, thereby fostering a coordinated effort across Colorado to effectively address the climate impact of the tourism industry.

Climate 10: Encourage Climate Impact Mitigation and Reporting

By signing and committing to the United Nations (UN) Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, organizations can commit to aligning their climate goals with scientific recommendations and international agreements, aiming to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero before 2050. Within a year of signing, businesses must develop and implement detailed climate action plans focusing on measurement, decarbonization, regeneration, collaboration, and financing. Public annual reporting on progress is required to provide transparency and accountability. With over 850 global organizations already participating, this declaration represents a unified commitment to climate action. The adoption of this declaration by Colorado’s tourism industry would highlight the state’s leadership in sustainable tourism and global climate action.