The Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau announced Wednesday it has added six new employees to its staff of 50 – more evidence of how it plans to spend the $4 million annual budget boost approved by voters last fall.
Last week, the bureau unveiled a $3 million advertising campaign targeting tourists, with the tagline “How will Denver awaken you?” Key markets include Omaha, Phoenix and Albuquerque.
The additional funds come from a 1-percentage-point increase in the city’s lodgers’ tax, which raised the bureau’s annual budget from $8 million to $12 million.
“We’re doing 350 site tours this year, up from 300 last year, mainly as a result of the convention-center expansion,” said spokesman Rich Grant. “The money allows us to provide better services to meeting planners.”
The new employees are Sam Ross, membership sales manager; Leah Hatting, convention services manager; Tiffany Hoambrecker, convention services manager; Tessa Taufen, corporate sales manager; Alicia Montoya, convention sales coordinator; and Nikcole Wernert, receptionist.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-820-1592 or jdunn@denverpost.com.
