Tourism bureau candidate emphasizes ‘quality tourists’ and business alignment in interview

Deanna Smith, co‑owner of Ida Springs RV Park in Dumont, interviewed for an open seat on the county’s tourism bureau board and described a focus on attracting visitors who spend locally and respect community character.

Smith said she and her family moved to Clear Creek County to live there and later opened the RV park; she told commissioners she would prioritize “quality tourists” who patronize restaurants and shops rather than only visiting trailheads. “I didn’t build an RV park because I just wanted to. I actually wanted to live here,” Smith said during the interview.

Smith said she has not previously served on a tourism board but brings hospitality and customer‑service experience, described outreach and education she provides to her guests, and offered marketing ideas including short videos and geocaching to encourage county‑wide visitation rather than concentrating visitors in a few locations.

Commission members asked how she would balance residents’ concerns about overcrowding with business interests. Smith replied she did not support simply increasing visitor numbers; instead she said the bureau should seek visitors who spend more and treat the area respectfully. Commissioners also asked about innovation, board leadership and staff management; Smith described a collaborative leadership approach and experience managing staff at her business.

The commission said it intends to decide on the appointment within the next two meetings and thanked Smith for applying and participating in the public interview process.