Visit Colorado Springs Celebrates the Legacy of Tourism
The 2023 annual awards event honored region’s founding tourism partners
Colorado Springs, Colo. – October 19, 2023 – Last night, VCOS held its annual Tourism Awards Celebration, presented by Pikes Peak Lodging Association (PPLA). The legacy-themed event took place at the historic Flying W Ranch and recognized VCOS’ “legacy” tourism partners who became members of the organization from its founding in 1980 through 1985.
The first award of the evening was new for 2023 and created to honor a community leader and visionary, Janet Suthers. The Olympic City USA Janet Suthers Community Service Award will annually celebrate a community champion who upholds the Olympic & Paralympic ideals and has made a profound and lasting impact on the City. Janet Suthers received the inaugural award.
The legacy awards were sponsored by Pikes Peak Region Attractions. Winners were:
Legacy Attraction – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Legacy Event – Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo/NFR Open
Legacy Lodging – The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel
Legacy Transportation – Gray Line Tours
Legacy Dining – Concept Restaurants: Jose Muldoon’s and MacKenzie’s Chop House
Legacy Individual – Dave Harris, Ghost Town Museum
Industry Impact – The Broadmoor
In addition to the awards recognition, attendees enjoyed a special performance by the Flying W Wranglers and western Chuckwagon supper provided by the Ranch. More than 250 guests were in attendance, donning their best western attire.
Visit Colorado Springs gave special certificates to recognize its 20 founding members who joined in 1980, which include: The Antlers – A Wyndham Hotel, The Broadmoor, The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Flying W Ranch, The Gazette, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Miramont Castle Museum, North Pole – Santa’s Workshop, Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, Pikes Peak Region Attractions, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Western Museum of Mining & Industry.
Sponsors included: Pikes Peak Lodging Association Presenting), Flying W Ranch (Host), Pikes Peak Region Attractions (Legacy Awards), Colorado Springs Sports Corp (Gold Marshall), Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (Gold Marshall), Add Staff (Gold Marshall), Holiday Inn Express Hyatt House Colorado Springs Airport (Colorado Cowboys), Ent Business Banking (Colorado Cowboys), Colorado Springs Airport (Colorado Cowboys), Flying Horse Resort & Club (Colorado Cowboys), Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs – A Dolce Resort (Western Ballads), Bronco Billy’s (Western Ballads), Adventures Out West (Western Ballads), Southwest Airlines® (The Spirit of the Springs)
