As one of his first acts as newly-appointed (7 April 2021) Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Pat Meyers has terminated long-time Colorado Tourism Director Cathy Ritter (show, left, above with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Executive Director Dana Watts in 2017).

Tourism officials around Colorado expressed dismay at Ritter's firing but declined to comment further.

Jill Corbin, formerly Ritter's deputy, is serving as acting Director.

Ritter had headed Colorado Tourism since 2015, and previously ran Tourism Illinois.

Under Ritter's leadership, Colorado Tourism became the first US state tourism agency to develop a destination stewardship plan that educated visitors about reducing their impacts on the destination.

Colorado tourism was growing at twice the national rate until last spring when casino closures led to Gov. Jared Polis cutting the tourism budget by 87% (most of which was later restored).

A search for a new Tourism Director will begin soon.