on location: west ❖
sarah nelson
Pikes Peak, a 14,100-foot mountain west of Colorado Springs, tops the list of area must-sees.
Colorado Inspires
Springs Faith Travelers Religious groups rejoice in this city where the Great Plains meet the Rockies olorado Springs, Colorado is a popular vacation destination nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Groups enjoy the culture of the city along with the scenic attractions nearby. Chelsy Murphy, public relations manager of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “We are among the safest and familyfriendliest cities in the country, offering over 60 attractions and activities, inspiring natural beauty, 300-plus days of sunshine annually and first-tier
Photos courtesy of Colorado Springs CVB
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city amenities at second-tier city price points.” The area is a prime place for religious group travel and faith conferences. In fact, Colorado Springs works hard to attract religious group travelers. One way the CVB draws faithbased travel to Colorado Springs is by attending annual religious-based trade shows. Murphy mentioned that Kathy Reak, director of convention sales of the CVB, attends the Religious Conference Managers Association (RCMA) and Christian Meetings and
Conventions Association (CMCA) to make contacts and “see if there is any way Colorado Springs can assist them with their events.” Many evangelical Christian organizations are based in Colorado Springs. Murphy said that “Colorado Springs is home to the headquarters of more than 50 faith-based organizations, making the destination a natural fit” for religious travel. Focus on the Family is an evangelical organization dedicated to promoting traditional family values in Christian LeisureGroupTravel.com