#United States #Denver #VISIT DENVER #Denver Tourism #Longwoods International

Denver Tourism Thrives in 2024

In an exciting development for the Mile High City, Visit Denver has announced that the tourism statistics for 2024 have not only met but matched the record-breaking numbers from 2023. Denver welcomed a remarkable 37.1 million domestic visitors and accumulated a staggering $10.3 billion in tourism spending. This achievement underscores the city's robust tourism sector, affirming its standing as a prime destination in the U.S.

Key Highlights of 2024 Tourism Performance

One of the standout statistics from the announcement was the significant increase in 'marketable' trips, which are defined as those visitors specifically targeted through tourism promotions. This segment saw a 14% rise, hitting 8.7 million visitors. Richard W. Scharf, the President and CEO of Visit Denver, expressed pride in the city’s ability to maintain its tourism momentum amidst a competitive environment, especially in light of economic headwinds faced last year.

Scharf stated, "Tourism is vital to the Denver economy, and we are pleased to see 2024 numbers in line with 2023, which matched our expectations." He emphasized the vital role of the tourism industry in supporting 73,500 jobs in the Denver metro area while contributing millions in taxes to state and local revenues.

The overnight visitors, totaling 19.8 million, contributed over $8.7 billion in spending. This number is consistent with last year's impressive figures. Moreover, the segment of overnight leisure visitors was recorded at 17.4 million.

Research Insights from Longwoods International

Longwoods International's annual visitor profile study has been tracking Denver’s tourism statistics since 1994. Their latest report showcases how Denver's visitor numbers have blossomed compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, with overall visitation up by 16% and overnight spending climbing by an impressive 45%.

Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International, commented on Denver’s unique appeal to travelers: "Denver's unique positioning as a 'best of both worlds' destination continues to resonate with travelers looking for unique, memorable vacation experiences."

The study highlighted that Denver is a year-round destination, with visitor distribution throughout the year showing no sharp declines, and summer remains slightly more popular for travelers. Notably, 80% of overnight visitors are repeat guests, illustrating the city’s charm and appeal.

Importance of Denver International Airport

The connectivity offered by Denver International Airport (DEN) is crucial for tourism sustainability, with 36% of overnight visitors arriving via air—a significant portion compared to the national average of 24%.

Visitors typically spend about 2.7 nights in Denver, making the most of their trip before exploring other parts of Colorado.

Advertising Impact and Backing by Visit Denver

A separate study conducted by Longwoods International also focused on Visit Denver’s 2024 spring/summer advertising campaign, which became the organization's largest initiative of the year. The outcome of the campaign directly contributed to:

• - 3 million incremental trips
• - $1.3 billion in incremental spending
• - $143 million in additional state and local taxes, surpassing $106 million for Denver alone

This impressive ROI translates to receiving $217 in incremental spending and $24 in taxes for every dollar spent on advertising, marking a resounding success.

Future Prospects and Ongoing Monitoring

As Visit Denver progresses, the organization plans to collaborate closely with industry partners to oversee international inbound travel expectations, particularly from Canada. Though predictions indicate travelers may reduce summer travel budgets, the city continues its marketing and tourism development efforts to ensure Denver remains a primary choice for tourists.

Finale

In conclusion, 2024 not only mirrored the record-setting achievements of the previous year but also set a new bar for Denver's tourism industry. By fostering a dynamic tourism environment and creating strong partnerships, Denver is poised to maintain its status as one of the leading destinations in the United States, continuously inviting travelers to experience everything it has to offer.

For more information about Denver and its attractions, visit Visit Denver. Follow their social media channels for the latest updates on dining, events, and more.