CTO Learning Labs
Program Summary
CTO Learning Labs is our free online educational platform designed for students, destination organizations, hospitality staff, and tourism industry professionals. The platform helps learners at every level sharpen their skills and deepen their Colorado expertise so visitors feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired to return.
We’re excited to announce that CTO Learning Labs has transitioned to a new Learning Management System (LMS). This upgrade is part of our commitment to delivering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience. As part of this transition, we’re rebuilding all Learning Labs content to ensure it’s even more effective in boosting participant knowledge and skills.
We will be unveiling the enhanced Learning Labs on a rolling basis. Check out current CTO Learning Labs course offerings.
Overview
Type: Certification, education, and training
For: Tourism professionals
OEDIT division: Colorado Tourism Office
Destination Learning Lab Program
Destination Learning Labs are custom courses designed to help local tourism industry and hospitality staff gain insights into your destinations unique offerings building a community of knowledgeable frontline workers who can offer a positive experience for visitors and residents.
The CTO will be selecting up to six destinations to develop custom courses. Each destination will be paired with an experienced consultant to research, design and develop a Destination Learning Lab that will be launched in June 2026. Participants will receive one Learning Lab, one marketing, promotion, and recognition plan and a program summary report.
| Timeline: | Dates: |
|---|---|
| Application Open | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 |
| Application Close | Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4 p.m. (MT) |
| Award notifications | January 15, 2026 |
| Learning Lab Content and Course Development | February-June 2026 |
| Program Completed | June 2026 |
Eligible applicants include Colorado DMOs and regional and statewide industry associations.
Example DMOs may include:
- Destination marketing organizations (e.g. Convention & Visitors Bureau)
- Lodging tax boards, committees, or panels
- Chambers of commerce or chamber resort associations
- Government entities in Colorado (federally recognized tribes and local governments)
Eligible industry associations include:
- Regional tourism industry association is a registered nonprofit trade organization that represents one or more tourism-related business sectors and represents a collection of tourism businesses within those sectors. Associations must represent a market-ready product or experience, and be regional in approach.
- Statewide tourism industry association as a registered nonprofit trade organization that represents a collection of tourism businesses statewide within a tourism-related business sector. Associations must represent a market-ready product or experience, and be statewide (where it exists) in approach.
Other considerations:
- Only one application can be submitted for an individual destination. Destinations with an existing Learning Lab are not eligible to apply.
- Multiple organizations within a single destination should collaborate on a single program application.
- Participation in previous Colorado Tourism Office programming does not impact eligibility or competitiveness.
The following destinations are participating in the FY26 Destination Blueprint Program:
- Colorado Association of Viticulture and Enology
- Logan County
- Visit Glenwood Springs
- Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes
- Visit Longmont
- Visit Pagosa Springs
Applications are currently closed.
A review committee will review applications and recommend awards based on an understanding of priorities, capacity to participate, and demonstrated need. A representative from the Colorado Tourism Office will respond to your application within one month of the application deadline.
Program Managers
