Tens of thousands of visitors have traveled through small mountain communities in Colorado to view the autumn foliage, yet many local business owners are expressing concern over the limited financial benefit they are receiving from the seasonal influx. Despite the scenic appeal drawing crowds, the economic impact on these towns has not matched expectations. Shopkeepers and hospitality providers report that while foot traffic increases during peak leaf season, actual spending remains low. Some attribute this to tourists merely passing through without stopping to make purchases. Others point to rising operational costs and staffing shortages that diminish their ability to capitalize on the surge in visitors. Community leaders are now exploring strategies to better engage tourists, such as organizing local events and promoting regional products, in hopes of converting transient interest into sustained economic support.
— news from CBS News
— News Original —
Colorado mountain towns concerned over lack of economic benefit from leaf-peeping tourism
Despite tens of thousands of people driving through small towns in Colorado’s mountains to see the leaves change colors, business owners are raising concerns about seeing less of another kind of green.