- Client: Visit Alamosa
- Partners: Local government agencies, tourism businesses, land managers, and conservation groups
- Project Duration: March 1 - December 31, 2025
Project Overview
Alamosa County, located in the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, is a gateway to some of the state’s most treasured natural and cultural assets, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The region boasts a rich history, diverse outdoor recreation, and a thriving local arts and culinary scene. To ensure that tourism continues to benefit the local economy while preserving the community’s unique character, Solimar is assisting Visit Alamosa to develop a Five-Year Tourism Strategic Plan.
This plan will serve as a roadmap for sustainable tourism development, balancing economic growth, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. By leveraging strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, the initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen the tourism workforce, and support local businesses while maintaining Alamosa’s distinct sense of place.
Key project objectives include:
- Enhancing Destination Stewardship: Managing tourism growth responsibly to protect natural and cultural assets while maximizing benefits for local residents.
- Increasing Economic Resilience: Supporting local businesses, tourism entrepreneurs, and workforce development to ensure a sustainable industry.
- Strengthening Community Engagement: Ensuring local stakeholders have a voice in shaping Alamosa County’s tourism future through transparent communication and inclusive planning.
- Developing a Strategic Marketing Approach: Positioning Alamosa as a must-visit destination by leveraging its unique assets, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural experiences.
- Implementing Sustainable Tourism Best Practices: Incorporating environmental conservation, responsible visitor management, and infrastructure planning into tourism development efforts.
Major Activities
Solimar International will guide the development of the strategic plan through a four-phase process:
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Project Mobilization & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establishing a Steering Committee to oversee the planning process.
- Developing a stakeholder outreach strategy to involve local businesses, residents, and government agencies.
- Creating communication materials to engage the public and encourage participation.
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Situation Analysis & Research
- Conducting surveys, interviews, and market research to assess the current state of tourism in Alamosa.
- Reviewing existing tourism data and policies to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
- Facilitating discussions with tourism stakeholders and community leaders.
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Strategic Plan Development
- Hosting workshops and site visits to co-develop a shared vision, goals, and priority strategies.
- Drafting an actionable tourism strategy that reflects the collective input of stakeholders.
- Outlining key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and success.
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Refinement & Implementation Planning
- Gathering public and stakeholder feedback on the draft plan.
- Finalizing the strategy and designing a roadmap for execution and long-term sustainability.
- Developing tools to measure progress and ensure accountability.
Anticipated Results
The Visit Alamosa Tourism Strategic Plan will deliver:
- A comprehensive vision for sustainable tourism growth in Alamosa County.
- A framework for public-private collaboration in visitor management and destination marketing.
- A clear action plan with measurable goals, ensuring long-term accountability and success.
- Increased economic opportunities for local businesses and workforce development initiatives.
- A stronger focus on community-driven tourism, ensuring that Alamosa residents benefit from visitor growth.
