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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Spa Resorts
It seems appropriate that Colorado Springs, which
annually draws more than 6 million visitors, was
itself founded by a visitor. In 1870, General William
Jackson Palmer, on first seeing the region, wrote
to his wife: Could one live in constant view of
these grand mountains without being elevated by
them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?
Almost immediately, Palmer began planning the city
of his dreams, one that would become a major resort
community. Today, more than 130 years later, people
by the millions continue to come from all over the
world, drawn by the same beauty that forever changed
Palmer.
The natural beauty of Colorado Springs is legendary.
In fact, the view from the top of nearby Pikes Peak
inspired Katharine Lee Bates to compose "America
the Beautiful" over 100 years ago. Today, there
is more access to the mountains and streams that
the area is famous for, yet the "wild west" feel
remains intact.
Another man of vision living in Colorado Springs
during the 1800s was Spencer Penrose, who made his
profits in gold and silver. He gave away parcels
of land for community use, built the Pikes Peak
and Cheyenne Mountain Highways, established the
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine and the
Broadmoor Hotel. He also set up a foundation for
charitable purposes known as the El Pomar Foundation,
which still exists and assists the needs of many
worthy causes today.
In the 1940s, the Fort Carson Army installation
was built, marking the beginning of what is now
a strong military presence in this region. Today,
Colorado Springs is home to several military installations
including Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD (North
American Radar and Air Defense), Shriever Air Force
Base, the United States Air Force Academy and the
US Space Command. The military is the largest employer
in Colorado Springs. Tourism is ranked number three.
Colorado Spring’s scenic beauty, abundance of attractions,
recreational opportunities, and year-round special
events create unlimited opportunities for delegates
and planners to relax when not participating in
meeting and convention sessions. Unique shopping
and dining opportunities in downtown Colorado Springs,
Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs, or gambling
in Cripple Creek, further enhance the community
as a meeting destination. And, the new Colorado
Springs World Arena is a world-class, multipurpose
facility. The main facility quickly converts from
an ice rink to a basketball court, exhibit floor,
or meeting hall.
Room inventory stands at over 13,000 rooms, with
community-wide meeting and exhibition space exceeding
495,000 square feet Colorado Springs has seen rapid
growth of hotel room inventory in the past several
years through a combination of additions to existing
properties and the opening of new value-service
properties. Many of the value-service properties
are clustered around full-service properties, providing
planners with excellent overflow opportunities for
their delegates. Meeting and convention suppliers
of transportation, rental equipment, entertainment,
and other support services help to poise Colorado
Springs as a first-class destination with second-tier
pricing.
Colorado Springs is a goldmine of a city, with breathtaking
views and captivating sunsets and sunrises – a must-visit
city.
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