Trail to Tomorrow: A Place-Based Tourism and Economic Diversification Plan for Grand County

What Is This About?

To achieve greater harmony between local economic realities and what residents prioritize, Grand County is creating the Trail to Tomorrow Strategic Plan to manage tourism to benefit the community while continuing to develop a diverse economy over the next five years.

With a commitment to hearing all voices, this planning process is intended to enhance local quality of life as well as the experience of those who visit, work or do business here, while safeguarding the magnificent environment and unique culture of Grand County.

Why Is This A Priority?

• An opportunity to weigh benefits and challenges of tourism and other forms of economic development.

• Recognizes tourism as a key economic driver, while seeking ways of mitigating negative impacts and maximizing benefits of a visitor economy.

• Acts on a resolve to shape the economy with new opportunities, shared priorities and advance local quality of life.

• Identify strategies to drive and improve a thriving, resilient visitor economy.

• Enhance resident quality of life by addressing impacts and deriving more value from the tourism economy.

• Create inspiring visitor experiences that are compatible with local priorities.

• Map strategies to safeguard and improve natural assets and reduce negative impacts: Messaging campaigns, dispersal strategies, transit & mobility, visitor targeting, partnerships, and infrastructure development.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone with a stake in the future of Grand County.

How Will We Get There?

The Trail to Tomorrow Plan will be developed through a community-driven process. Hundreds of regional stakeholders will be actively included in the process through community forums, topical roundtables, interviews and surveys.

What Is Economic Development?

Economic development typically refers to the process by which a region increases the economic, financial, and social well-being of its people.

Economic development and sustainability are closely interlinked concepts, each influencing the other in significant ways. Traditionally, economic development focused primarily on growth—increasing a region's wealth, production, and employment. However, the contemporary understanding of economic development includes a strong emphasis on sustainability, recognizing that long-term economic health is inextricably linked to environmental stewardship and social equity. Tourism is a form of economic development.