Nestled against the backdrop of Long’s Peak, visitors are drawn to Longmont to enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park, paddling on a local lake, or birding in the area.
Sarah Leonard, Executive-Director of “Visit Longmont” says, “We know that travelers are coming here because it’s a great central location for outdoor recreation opportunities that surround Longmont.”
Visitors spend millions for an authentic experience
Longmont is an emerging brewery, eatery, and farm-to-table destination for visitors. Leonard says, “We know they are interested in the type of authenticity and creativity around some of the farm-to-table experiences. These are the types of activities that not only residents enjoy but visitors to Longmont are choosing to enjoy as well.” The travel experience has changed, especially coming out of the pandemic. Leonard says, “It has become even more valuable to take that vacation with family or friends and have that high-quality experience.”
Did you know that visitors to Longmont spent more than $600,000 every day, that is more than $220 million a year. The positive impact on the local community cannot be underestimated.
More jobs
Visitors to Longmont make it possible for local businesses to thrive, especially those in the hospitality industry. It’s estimated that 1 out every 13 jobs in Longmont are related to tourism and hospitality. Without visitors, 7% of the jobs in Longmont would disappear. Tourist spending supports local restaurants, breweries, and museums.
Visitors can stop by a local brewery to sample award-winning beer. They can stop at a local farm on their way to a hike to enjoy apple cider and apple cider donuts. They can also enjoy the autumn experience at a pumpkin farm. Visitors support bed-and-breakfasts, adventure sport companies, and artisanal stores such as “Crackpots” a business owned by Tamar Hendricks that invites customers to make their own pottery.
Hendricks says, “Without visitors, locals wouldn’t take the time to do activities outside their normal routines, so having a constant influx of visitors is extremely important to the vibrancy of our business.”
Jennifer Ferguson is the owner of “Bricks”, a souvenir shop that showcases products from over 130 Colorado companies. She says, “We welcome visitors from all over. They add to the vibrancy of my shop. We love seeing visitors and sharing stories with people from all over the world who are coming to Longmont for both work and personal reasons.”
Lower taxes and higher quality of life
Visitors significantly bolster the local economy in ways that residents may not readily see. Sarah Leonard points out, “Visitors spending on hotel stays, dining, shopping, and various attractions help to fund public programs and services. Leonard says, “Enhancing Longmont’s roads, parks, recreational trails, and cultural venues are all essential components that improve the overall quality of life for residents and are places visitors enjoy as well.”
There are so many reasons for visitors to make Longmont a stop on their journey. This time of year, the natural wonders and fall foliage are stunning. The cultural events, many sponsored by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and the Longmont Museum offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that both residents and visitors can enjoy.
As Longmont continues to welcome visitors, residents can look forward to economic growth, improved services, a more vibrant city, and a better quality of life.
To discover all that Longmont has to offer go to www.visitlongmont.org.