Golden is both a community and a destination, and this plan was built to keep those two roles in balance. When tourism is thoughtfully marketed and well managed, it can strengthen Golden’s economy while making the community an even better place to live, work and visit.

The 2026–2029 Visit Golden Strategic Plan is the product of six months of research and community engagement. It provides a roadmap for the Community Marketing Board to continuously balance destination marketing with destination management, with a focus on welcoming visitors and supporting local businesses while protecting the community’s cultural heritage, natural resources and quality of life.

The goal is not simply to attract more visitors, but to encourage the right visitation at the right times and in the right places. By taking a thoughtful, community-centered approach to tourism, Visit Golden can help ensure that visitation continues to contribute to economic development throughout Golden while preserving the people, places and experiences that make Golden special.