Interim Report on Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Economic-Impact Study

Abstract

Despite the extensive use of highway designations to promote tourism, there has been little research on the economic effects of these efforts. An interim economic-impact study was conducted as an attempt to estimate the economic effects of Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway designation on tourism-related businesses in communities along the byway routes. The study's research strategies included a review of the literature and research on the economic impacts of travel and tourism, a byways traffic analysis, and a survey of community tourism businesses. The results indicated the economic significance of the travel and tourism industry, and more specifically of byway designation. The findings suggested that byway designation may have an effect on increased visitor traffic, visitor expenditures, and total retail sales in communities along the byway routes.