For immediate release | FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kris Mattera, President & CEO
Basalt Chamber of Commerce
970-927-4031
director@basaltchamber.org
Basalt, CO – Basalt Chamber of Commerce was awarded as one of five destinations to take part in the Colorado Tourism Office’s (CTO) Destination Blueprint Program. The Destination Blueprint program provides an opportunity for destinations across Colorado to join the CTO in its effort to advance destination stewardship and adopt recommendations identified from the Destination Stewardship Strategic Planning Initiative.
Basalt Chamber’s participation in the Destination Blueprint Program will enhance collaboration between state and local tourism leaders and create a shared alignment on priorities to advance tourism. Program elements include a destination assessment, community visioning and action planning workshop, and 100 hours of consulting to advance priority projects.
“We are honored to have been selected for the Destination Blueprint program in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO).” said Kris Mattera, President & CEO of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce. “Through collaboration with local stakeholders and community-wide feedback, the Basalt Chamber will develop a tourism strategic plan. This plan will leverage data to define our unique destination, attract ideal visitors, and grow our year-round economy—all while ensuring a great experience for visitors and preserving the quality of life for residents. The chamber wants this effort to result in a shared community vision for tourism, so we ask that Basalt and midvalley residents participate in the months ahead. Save The Date – November 12, 2025 – as we will be hosting an evening event focused on gathering public input at a community reception.“
Phase one of the program will bring together tourism champions, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and residents throughout Basalt to discuss barriers and opportunities throughout their destination. As part of the second phase of the program, Basalt Chamber will receive 100 hours of free consulting from a CTO designated tourism expert. The focus of this consulting will be centered around the findings in the aforementioned community vision and action planning workshop.
“The Destination Blueprint program is a powerful example of how we can support Colorado communities in shaping tourism strategies that reflect their values, protect local character, and enrich the lives of residents,” said Timothy Wolfe, Director of the Colorado Tourism Office. “By offering hands-on guidance and tailored resources, this initiative helps destinations plan for the future in a way that encourages thoughtful growth, strengthens community identity, and promotes Colorado as a place where both visitors and locals can thrive.”
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For more information about the Destination Blueprint program, please visit the program website, https://oedit.colorado.gov/destination-blueprint-program.
ABOUT BASALT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in 1983, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce has served the mid-Roaring Fork Valley since the 1970s. Originally the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Chamber of Commerce, the organization has grown to become a leading advocate for the region’s businesses and local workforce. Through its work championing local businesses and nonprofits, promoting the mid-valley as a destination, and fostering economic vitality, the Basalt Chamber is dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient community. Learn more at basaltchamber.org.
ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The CTO seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership. In 2024, Colorado travelers spent $28.5 billion, generating $1.9 billion in local and state revenues. Additionally, the tourism sector supported 188,510 jobs across the state in 2024. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.