Tourism Struggles After Wildfire

Tourism in the Pikes Peak region is struggling to bounce back after the Waldo Canyon Fire.

“My guests called me and asked if I was still open for business,” said Credith Cohen, owner of Sunnymede Bed and Breakfast.

Cohen said her profits have dropped 50 percent since the fire.

“Having to start out our season by evacuating my guests at my bed and breakfast, that’s never happened before. Hope it never happens again,” she said.

She also blames the high temperatures for fewer travelers from Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

“People have a perception the whole city burnt down,” said Chelsy Murphy, Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Murphy said the city is fighting that perception and has launched the “Welcome Back” campaign. They will be promoting the region through September.

With the Pikes Peak Hill Climb running through the weekend, Murphy is hoping it will help boost the number of tourists.

“It’s a great way to tell the story (that) we aren’t burned down. We are beautiful and businesses are open and ready for tourists,” said Murphy.

Murphy said getting visitors back to the region is critical. She said more than 13,000 jobs are tied to tourism and $1 billion in profits are at stake.

The official tourism numbers for July have not been released yet.