The Durango Area Tourism Office Board of Directors recognized Interim Executive Director, Barb Bowman for receiving the 2019 Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman’s Award. Bowman was recognized at the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference annual awards dinner Sept. 30.
This award honors individuals that have greatly contributed to the advancement and innovation of Colorado’s tourism industry. Individuals are nominated, then entries are reviewed and judged by the Governor’s Tourism Conference Committee.
Outstanding Individual Contribution to Tourism Award criteria include major and lasting contribution, dedication to Colorado tourism, leadership, vision and inspiration and creative and innovative approaches.
Bowman joined Visit Durango as Interim Executive Director after spending 27 years in leadership at Visit Grand Junction. She served on the Colorado Tourism Board, National Tour Association board and was President of the Rotary Club of Grand Junction. During her time at Visit Durango, Bowman was charged with putting new systems in place to track and measure the value and effectiveness of Visit Durango’s marketing efforts, while working with the City of Durango to ensure a cohesive strategy.
Visit Durango named Rachel Brown from Visit Fisherman’s Wharf as executive director, effective Nov. 18. Bowman will work with Brown to support the Visit Durango staff and board through the transition. She will also continue to support the organization in an advisory role moving forward.
