Visit Durango’s Efforts to Advance Inclusivity
Partnerships with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and DEIA Training Honor Visitors and Community Members
In its commitment to advancing inclusivity, Visit Durango has created several new and innovative partnerships and programs. The destination’s exceptional work aligns with several strategies from the CTO’s Destination Stewardship Strategic Plans.
Honoring Native American Heritage through Meaningful Partnerships
One of the key initiatives driving Visit Durango’s inclusivity efforts is its partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. By working closely together, both parties are striving to elevate and preserve the region’s Native American heritage, which plays a significant role in shaping the area’s cultural landscape. This collaboration is part of the broader effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s cultural heritage, as outlined in the Mountains and Mesas Regional Plan, and to promote Native American heritage through the Statewide Plan.
The Tribe operates several key attractions in nearby Ignacio, CO —including a casino, cultural center and museum, bowling alley, arcade, putt-putt golf course, hotel, and fairgrounds. These venues not only provide entertainment for locals and visitors, but also help raise awareness of the Tribe’s rich history and traditions. In Durango, Fort Lewis College offers a tuition-free education to Native American students, bringing a diverse group of young people to the area.
For Native American Heritage Month in November, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is creating a window display in partnership with the Visit Durango Welcome Center. To introduce visitors, city residents, and local college students to Native-brewed beer, Visit Durango is sponsoring a special guest tap from Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. at several local establishments. Proceeds from beer sales will go to an organization that serves Native communities.
Additionally, Visit Durango recently sent conference leads to the casino, shared a business incubator presentation and free marketing resources with Tribal members, filmed video footage to promote the Tribe’s farmers market, and is working with Tribe members on content encouraging visitors to respect archaeological sites.
This emerging partnership is the result of intentional and meaningful relationship-building. The CTO had conversations with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to gain input into the Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan and to begin fostering a long-term relationship. Building on this effort, Visit Durango’s Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator Kat Brail asked the Tribal Council, “What can we do for you today and for the future?” SInce then, Visit Durango has continued this dialogue, actively involving the Tribe in the early stages of project planning to ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.
Training for an Inclusive Visitor Experience
Visit Durango is also committed to ensuring that all visitors feel welcome through inclusive workforce training for businesses across La Plata County. Supported by a CTO 2024 Tourism Management Grant, this training helps businesses with limited resources learn best practices in social, emotional, and physical accessibility. The goal is to ensure that every visitor—regardless of background, ability, or identity—has an exceptional experience.
The “All Are Welcome” online training, provided through the “The Tourism Academy” platform, equips tourism business managers and frontline workers with knowledge on inclusive practices and accessibility best practices. This training includes modules on local cultural heritage, highlighting the significant contributions of Latine, Native American, and Black communities to the region’s development. Additionally, gender identity training is offered, reflecting Durango’s inclusive environment, which is home to a thriving drag scene that attracts visitors from across the region.
In 2024, Visit Durango offered its first disability inclusion training in partnership with VisitAble. This training enabled staff to interact with confidence and to create an open dialogue with all visitors, bringing immediate improvements in customer service and hospitality. Visit Durango is now exploring ways to offer discounts to local businesses to achieve Visible Advocate Certified status.
In addition to training, Visit Durango created inclusive coloring books for libraries, schools, restaurants, and hotels. These books celebrate the diverse range of experiences Durango has to offer, featuring stories of disabled travelers, Native heritage, and the importance of travel stewardship.
Supporting Local Talent and Authentic Representation
Another key part of Visit Durango’s inclusivity efforts involves ensuring that the community is authentically represented in its marketing materials. Through the Local Talent Program, Visit Durango hires local residents as models for photos and videos used in promotional campaigns. The program prioritizes individuals from underrepresented groups, works around their schedules, and showcases diverse family structures.
An unexpected benefit of this initiative has been the discovery of authentic local stories. “One photo shoot featured people who go to the skate park, and we’ve never thought to highlight the skate park in our marketing materials,” said Brail. These types of stories allow Visit Durango to reflect the true spirit of the community and share a more accurate representation of life in Durango.
Building Stronger Connections with the Community
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Visit Durango is working to ensure that community is not only diverse, but also inclusive. By forging meaningful partnerships, providing DEIA training, and highlighting local talent, Visit Durango is helping to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels welcome. These efforts also deepen connections between residents and visitors, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
Visit Durango’s commitment to inclusivity is helping to create a destination where culture is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and all people—whether they live in or visit Durango—feel valued and appreciated.
