Overtourism in A Luxury Mountain Town: The Case of Telluride, Colorado

Abstract

As the Sales Manager for Revelation Resort in Telluride, Colorado, Ben Sullivan noticed significant changes in the community and hospitality industry as tourists flocked to the area in 2021. Affordable housing had long been an issue, but real estate sales swelled from the Covid-19 pandemic and residents were being pushed out of the community. The subsequent labor shortage left businesses struggling to find employees and also maintain five-star service standards. Telluride started to exhibit symptoms of over tourism. As a long-time resident and leader in the hospitality industry, Sullivan was set to weigh in on possible solutions. The purpose of this study is to consider the personal and professional impacts of a tourism destination that is experiencing an imbalance within sustainable development principles.