So, on 4 March 2020, when Microsoft recommended its tens of thousands of employees in the city work remotely and other local companies followed suit, the impact radiated across local businesses, particularly the hotel industry, explained Peter Klauser, Experience Redmond tourism manager.
“The hotels went from 65% to 85% occupancy range, down to single digits. So, you know, 6% or 9%,” he said. “There were times when one hotel might have even had just one guest in the entire hotel.”
Months later, when the situation remained largely unchanged, Klauser was brainstorming creative solutions to attract visitors back to the city when he joked to colleagues: “Why don’t we just give them the money, you know, pay them, give them some cash.”
Pankow Joins GWS Tourism
Heidi Pankow has more than 30 years of tourism marketing experience, most recently responsible for marketing and public relations at the Ouray Tourism Office. She has worked on regional and state tourism collaborations and initiatives including the successful Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, as a mentor and contractor for the Colorado Rural Academy for Tourism (CRAFT) and is an alumnus of the Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey class of 2019. She is currently the Western Colorado representative on the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway Commission.
As a Colorado resident for more than 20 years, Pankow has a passion for the state’s unique and authentic experiences. She will be working with the Visit Glenwood Springs team in marketing, public relations, social media and digital asset management, and consumer and media outreach roles. Pankow shared, “Glenwood Springs has always been a favorite destination of mine. I’m thrilled to join the team and will