The Denver population grew about 20 percent over the last decade, and the city’s rising appeal now draws more than 13 million additional visitors annually. From Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the Denver Beer Trail, Denver offers world-class arts, abundant outdoor experiences and a robust cannabis-driven tourism scene. These varied attractions, combined with steady population growth, have prompted major investments across the city to accommodate increasing interest.
Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver, describes the city’s investments as a clear sign of recovery following the pandemic. “The tourism and convention industries are among the largest industries in Denver, and they are currently rebounding in a big way,” he said, noting that leisure travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Like many growing cities, Denver is undergoing considerable development focused on mixed-use projects, from the 13-story Populus in downtown to the multi-decade redevelopment of The River Mile. Hotels and the arts sector are expanding alongside these projects, but upgrades to tourism infrastructure may have the most lasting impact.
Scharf is optimistic about the ongoing expansion of Denver International Airport and the large-scale renovation of the Colorado Convention Center, both projects expected to be completed in late 2023. Denver International Airport is already one of the busiest in the world, and its current expansion—roughly $1.5 billion for added gates—will add 39 gates across the airport’s concourses. An additional $2.4 billion is planned for other airport improvements, including refreshed restrooms and expanded security facilities, preparing DEN for an estimated 100 million annual passengers within the next decade.
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The Colorado Convention Center, recognizable by the large blue bear peering into the lobby, is undergoing a nearly quarter-billion-dollar expansion that will strengthen Denver’s role in the meetings and events industry. The renovated center will include an additional 80,000-square-foot ballroom—the largest in Colorado—35,000 square feet of pre-function space and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the skyline and mountains. Integrated with the existing building, the expanded convention center is projected to generate roughly $4 billion in gross regional product once complete.
Conventions and festivals have steadily returned since the pandemic pause. Clever logistical planning allowed the convention center to remain open and host events throughout much of the renovation, keeping Denver on the calendar for major gatherings. For example, the Great American Beer Festival returned for its 40th anniversary after a pandemic cancellation, and major performers have resumed shows in the city. Because the convention center avoided a prolonged closure immediately after the COVID shutdown, Denver’s tourism economy has been able to recover more quickly. With roughly 300 days of sunshine each year, tourism prospects in Denver look bright.
SCENIC DRIVES
For one of the most striking highway drives in the region, begin in Golden, Colorado, and take Route 6 west to Idaho Springs. This scenic route winds through Clear Creek Canyon and showcases mature trees, granite cliffs, historical mine sites and charming early mountain homes. GPS navigation sometimes diverts drivers to Interstate 70 to save time; for the most scenic experience, stick to Route 6 and use the many pull-offs to enjoy creekside views or short hikes such as the Mayhem Gulch Trail.
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In autumn, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a must-see. This 55-mile stretch along the Rocky Mountain Front Range becomes especially spectacular when aspen and cottonwood trees turn golden. The byway is about an hour from Denver and typically takes around 90 minutes each way without stops; plan five to six hours for a roundtrip from Denver if you want time for short detours. Allow more time to explore mountain towns like Estes Park and Nederland, along with nearby state parks and national forests that offer hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic overlooks.