LoginRecent data indicated that the U.S. tourism industry may expand, thanks in part to the winter weather. A December 2012 study completed by nonprofit groups Protect Our Waters and the Natural Resources Defense Council showed that the winter tourism industry in the United States earns about $12.2 billion annually. However, climate change could influence ski resorts and other winter destinations in the future.
"This data reaffirms the fact that ski resort CEOs…have a fiscal responsibility to both understand climate change and respond at scale," Auden Schendler, vice president of sustainability for the Aspen Ski Company, told the news source.
In 2009 and 2010, more than 23 million people participated in winter sporting activities and snow-related economic activity provided $1.7 billion in federal taxes. If winter resorts focus on climate change risks, they may find solutions to ensure that the tourism industry continues to grow.
Colorado's winter tourism employers could see noticeable profits in 2013. CBS Denver reports that the state generates around $364 in tax revenue for every household and consistently attracts new visitors. Additionally, Colorado set a new state tourism industry record for the number of guests it hosted in 2011.
Content provided by executive search organization, MRINetwork.