Tourist numbers up in Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is experiencing a sharp spike in visitors for this season.

“It’s been so busy, so many people are coming in, we’re referring to other places in town,” said M.J. Parelius- who co-manages the Eagle motel, one of several motels sold out for the weekend.

“The tourist season has been great. Everyone is coming in. All the motels in town are booked, a lot of revenue in town,” said Parelius.

Motels and other businesses are noticing the surge in visitors.

“I’ve been working here for seven years and we’ve never seen the influx of people that we’ve had this summer alone,” said Alexandra Jessop, an employee at the Santa Fe Springs shop.

Last year, more than 36,000 people stopped at the visitors center. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that last year more than 350,000 people visited the entire town. This year, they’re estimating 450,000 and counting.

“The floods have been down and the fires. It’s not on national news anymore,” said Parelius.

Manitou Springs is attracting visitors from all over.

“Oklahoma, Kansas, New York. We’re seeing people from all over the country,” said Jessop.

The visitors bureau says it expects to see thousands more visit this summer.