In reference to the interesting front page article titled “‘The reality is — down is down:’ Breckenridge Tourism Office, elected officials home in on drop in summer tourism,” I have some feedback.

While just one data point, my wife and I have been traveling to Breckenridge and Summit County for 40 plus years (ultimately with five children and, now, the grandchildren), and we have owned homes here for the last 20 years. Clearly, we love the area; however, I am not at all surprised that tourism is down. From a long-term tourist and second-home owner perspective, the flurry of well-intentioned efforts over the last decade to improve quality of life for residents and visitors may have had an adverse impact.

Some years ago, we opted not to rent our second home given the criteria required to adhere to statutes/reporting. It just didn’t seem worth the trouble. Moreover, all the relevant issues addressed around traffic, parking and workforce housing, etc. (all important) that are regularly reported in your paper seem to have resulted in the community becoming very regimented — perhaps there is no other way.

While I don’t know whether available lodging opportunities have also declined across the broader spectrum, I do know that our neighbors, acquaintances and family are often opting to vacation in other areas.

Seems like there are already plenty of fun events and great culinary choices, but I am keenly interested in the Breckenridge mayor’s comment about making visitors (whether first time or repeat) feel welcome — whether in messaging or, particularly, in the vibe once arrived. From “2021 unsustainable tourism volumes” to this year’s statistics, perhaps it is an anomaly; but I think that focused efforts to meet or exceed visitor expectations when their boots/skis are on the ground is critical. 

Wish that I had solutions, but let’s engage talent and creativity to make Breckenridge truly welcoming and enjoyable again — not structured, forced fun.