Steamboat Springs Community Leaders and Business Owners Work Collectively to Prepare for the Coming Seasons
In a recent webinar hosted by Steamboat Ready, a community collaboration set up to focus on fall and winter tourism, there was a call for unity. “Community is something we speak a lot about in Steamboat, and I think it’s something we live and breath,” said Robin Craigen, CEO of Moving Mountains and chair of the Steamboat Lodging Committee. “This winter may be be an opportunity to demonstrate that to each other at another level.”
Steamboat Ready has become a vital source of information sharing for tourism-focused businesses. Spearheaded by the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce, the group offers monthly webinars with updates from representatives in lodging, retail, restaurants, healthcare, the city, county and the ski area.
Businesses receive a poster to display, allowing visitors and residents to recognize their commitment to keeping the community safe. “It’s impossible to predict what the winter season will look like,” said Kim Filler, owner of Condos in Steamboat. “If it’s anything like the summer we could be inundated, but we need to be ready for anything.”
Steamboat Springs Tourism Trends Show a Wave of Change in 2020
Tourism trends for summer and fall seasons in 2020
• Average length of stay increased exponentially, spurred by teleworking and online schooling.
• Second homeowners with a metropolitan primary base chose to stay for longer periods of time.
• Increase in same day bookings and arrivals.
• Many restaurants incorporated take-out as an integral part of their business.
• Group travel decreased and business travel was almost non-existent.
• The majority of guests traveled by car.
Flying to Steamboat is more affordable than ever, with Southwest Airlines offering direct services. During the winter, ~75% of guests typically fly to Steamboat. Airline reservations are down from last year, but that is expected to change as passenger comfort levels increase. Capacity restrictions on transport, restaurants and retail outlets will put a strain on overall visitor experience. Craigen coined the term ‘Team Steamboat’ and urged industry stakeholders to collaborate. If there is one thing Steamboat is known for, it’s a sense of community, and coming together is what we do best.