Sweepstakes is the culmination of the Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado regional marketing campaign

The Durango Area Tourism Office is pleased to announce the grand prize winner of the 2018 Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado (CBSW) sweepstakes, Bob Daniel of Salida, Colorado.

The sweepstakes is the culmination of the Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado regional marketing campaign, highlighting independent producers of craft beer, wine, spirits, cider, gourmet soda, coffee and tea. The campaign was designed to drive foot traffic at local businesses and raise awareness of the region’s agritourism and “drink local” movement.

New for 2018, visitors were provided a free “Tasting Passport” (printed or digital application), available at Welcome Centers and tourism-tourism-related businesses throughout the region. The goal was to encourage travelers to visit local producers and get their passports stamped for incentives, including the grand prize trip slated for May 2019. Passports not only feature each of the region’s small batch, independent producers of crafted beverages, but also highlights each destination, including Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Cortez, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Bayfield, Ignacio and Pagosa Springs.

Bob Daniel and his partner visited Durango from Salida, Colorado and picked up a Passport at the Durango Welcome Center. “We are just delighted,” says Bob Daniel. “We visited Durango in September and had a wonderful time fly fishing and visiting local breweries. We were already planning a return trip this spring or summer and it looks like we are in for quite a trip!” 

The Daniels will receive seven days and six nights to explore Southwest Colorado, from Pagosa Springs and Durango to Ouray and Mesa Verde Country. The grand prize features contributions from several regional partners, and opportunities to explore the best outdoor, cultural and historic destinations in Colorado, including:

  • 1 Night at The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, including hot springs passes
  • 3 Nights at the General Palmer Hotel in downtown Durango
  • Tickets to Durango’s Wine Experience “Walk-About” Tasting event 
  • VIP Tickets to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Presidential Train, including lunch in Silverton at the Grand Imperial Hotel
  • Dinner for 2 at the Ore House Steakhouse in Durango
  • 1 Night at the Matterhorn Inn, Ouray
  • Hot Springs passes to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center
  • 1 Night at the Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde National Park
  • Mesa Verde National Park complementary park passes
  • Crafted beverages coupons and swag

DATO conceptualized the program in 2017 and was awarded a matching marketing grant from the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The campaign includes a regional Crafted Beverages video, various marketing assets, dedicated web pages on Durango.org, print and digital advertising, a calendar of special events and tours, media FAM trips, and PR outreach.

“This summer was unfortunately a difficult one for Southwest Colorado due to the 416 Fire,” says Suzanne Harrison, Marketing Director for Visit Durango. “However the Crafted Beverages campaign allowed us to continue promoting our region when other major attractions or activities were not available, and when smaller, independent businesses needed it the most.”

In May of 2019 the promotional campaign returns, targeting both in-state and out-of-state overnight travelers by providing additional activities and itineraries for regional visitors.

The Durango area is Southwest Colorado’s premier four-season destination, attracting more than one million visitors annually. Please contact Theresa Graven for media inquiries, or visit durango.org/crafted-beverages for more information.

About Visit Durango

The Durango Area Tourism Office (DATO) is an independent non-profit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County’s multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. Nestled in southwestern Colorado’s Animas River Valley and surrounded by rugged peaks, Durango is home to some of the best outdoor, historic and cultural attractions in the state. Visit DATO’s full-service Welcome Center, located at Main Avenue and 8th Street in the heart of Durango’s National Historic District, or online at www.durango.org. Follow @visitdurango on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

###