Destination Inclusion & Belonging
As an organization, it is our job to welcome all people to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region and inspire a feeling of belonging.
The beauty of travel is that it connects people of all backgrounds and origins and inspires diverse interactions.
What Does DEIB Mean to Us?
It's not just an acronym or buzzwords. DEIB stands for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. As a destination marketing organization, it will always be our mission to help everyone feel like they belong here in Colorado Springs. Whether someone is a Veteran, an international visitor, a clergyman or a member of the LGBTQ+ community – it’s important to us that all individuals are treated with the same level of respect, dignity and hospitality.
D – Diversity: We celebrate our differences that make us unique, everything from our experiences and backgrounds to ways of thinking and history that enriches our community.
E – Equity: We strive to ensure every person has access to the same experiences, which includes making proper modifications and accommodations for those with disabilities.
I – Inclusion: We work toward creating a destination where all people feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued.
B - Belonging: We maintain our commitment to destination inclusion so people can feel secure and safe here.
Please note – our effort to improve diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and the destination is a work in progress. We will make updates and adjustments as we gather information, learn and listen. If you have any suggestions or thoughts you would like to share with Visit COS, please send them to Social@VisitCOS.com.
Inclusion Commitment Statement
Our goal at Visit Colorado Springs is to create a culture and community dedicated to ensuring each and every visitor feels included. We acknowledge the work that remains within our organization to live out this commitment. Our role in the community makes it important we act as leaders, and that means placing higher priority on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. We are committed to working inside out on improvements, including employee and volunteer training and integrating DEI priorities into our processes, policies, vendors, community support, marketing and advertising. Under the guidance of both our DEI Committee and Accessibility Task Force, our organization will remain steadfast in our continuous learning and growth.
About the DEI Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at Visit Colorado Springs comprises industry and community members and is lead by members of the VCOS team. The committee meets quarterly to discuss progress toward DEI goals and provide training and guidance to the VCOS staff.
About the Accessibility Task Force
The Accessibility Task Force was formed in 2022 to discuss the findings of a study conducted by MMGY and the Spinal Association that highlighted the main pain points of travelers with mobility disabilities. The Task Force is composed of industry leaders and accessibility experts, and VCOS acts as the conveners to drive and assist in meaningful change in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.
Allyship Letter
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee at Destinations International, the global trade association for convention and visitors bureau, released an Allyship Letter on behalf of its global membership. The letter states "Like so many aspects of our society, there are long-standing systemic challenges that continue to create impediments to providing our colleagues from underrepresented communities with equitable access to the same opportunities that we’ve always enjoyed as members who identify as being a part of the White community." Visit Colorado Springs President & CEO Doug Price signed the letter as a symbol of our organization's commitment to social inclusion. Learn more
Book Your Accessible Travel with Wheel the World
Wheel the World and Colorado Springs invite those with disabilities to travel and enjoy unforgettable experiences with their loved ones.
