Interesting article, but the Denver Post (nor this post title) speaks for all Colorado residents. Those of us who've been here during the lean times, the less than stellar winter ski seasons, and for towns that had to struggle to recover from floods and fires (and some that are still recovering), know the ups and downs of a state that heavily depends on the tourist season.
Some of the towns in the article have a summer AND winter season. Others don't. Those that don't depend on a busy summer season. RMNP is on a pace to exceed last year's record, and indeed for January and February of this year, topped 100,000 visitors for those 2 months for the first time ever. This is a plus for Estes Park, since the winter season is a LOT different from the summer season. I'm sure the added revenue they received is a welcome addition.
The current low gas prices are certainly contributory. Folks are able to travel, both locally and cross country, to visit places they wouldn't have been able to afford to visit just a few short years ago when gas prices were in the $4 range.
Personally, I enjoy meeting folks from other areas of the country when I'm out camping. Yes, it can be a challenge to find a place to camp, to get a reservation, but the alternative, having a stark state budget and budget cuts to areas that can least afford them, is not something I'd like to see again. We are doing pretty darned good here in Colorado and a lot of the reason for that is due to tourists. So to the tourists I say "thank you" and "come again". I know. I'm probably in the minority. Oh well...
