Page last updated: 07 October 2024
Denver in Colorado offers cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum and serves as a gateway to the nearby Rocky Mountains, making it a popular destination for both adventure seekers and those interested in arts and culture.
How many people visit Denver each year?
In recent years, Denver has attracted over 30 million visitors annually, with overnight visitors ranging from 15 million to 20 million.1
- Before the pandemic, the number of overnight visitors in Denver remained steady, with 17.4 million in 2017 and 17.7 million in 2019.
- In 2020, the impact of the pandemic caused overnight visitors to fall to 13.4 million.
- By 2021, Denver began to recover, welcoming 16.6 million overnight visitors as travel confidence slowly returned.
- By 2021, Denver began to recover, welcoming 16.6 million overnight visitors as travel confidence slowly returned and further increased to 19.9 million in 2022.
- In 2023, the city set a new record with 20.5 million overnight trips, reflecting Denver’s growing appeal and the broader recovery of the travel industry.
- Day trips have also contributed to Denver’s recovering tourism, with an average of 12 million to 16 million day visitors each year, reinforcing the city’s role as a major travel destination in the region.
How many people visited Denver in 2023?
In 2023, approximately 37.4 million people visited Denver, including both overnight and day trips.
- This represents an increase of approximately 3% compared to 2022 and about 17% up from 31.9 million visitors in 2019.
How many people visited Denver in 2022?
Denver welcomed 19.9 million overnight visitors in 2022.
- This figure marked a 19.9% increase from 16.6 million visitors the previous year and also surpassed the pre-pandemic peak of 17.7 million in 2019 (an increase of about 12.4%).
How much do visitors spend in Denver every year?
Visitors to Denver spend approximately $5 billion to $6 billion annually.2
- Visitor spending in Denver remained steady at approximately $6 billion annually from 2017 through 2019.
- However, in 2020, spending dropped to $4.3 billion due to reduced travel during the pandemic.
- In 2021, visitor expenditure showed signs of recovery, increasing to $5.5 billion.
- By 2022, spending surged to $8 billion, reflecting a strong rebound in tourism.
- In 2023, visitor spending continued to rise, reaching $8.8 billion.
How much did visitors spend in Denver in 2023?
In 2023, visitors spent approximately $8.8 billion in Denver.
- This represented a 10% increase from the $8 billion spent in 2022 and a 47% increase from the $6 billion spent in 2019 before the pandemic.
How much did visitors spend in Denver in 2022?
Total travel expenditure reached $8 billion in 2022.
- This expenditure showed a 45.5% jump from the previous year and surpassed the pre-pandemic spending of $6 billion in 2019 by 33.3%.
Impact of Coronavirus – Denver Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Denver saw a decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 27.7 million domestic visitors, down 13% from 2019. Visitor spending also dropped to $4.3 billion, a 28% decrease from the $6 billion spent in 2019.
- In 2021, the number of domestic visitors to Denver increased to 31.7 million, up 14% from the previous year. Visitor spending also improved, reaching $5.5 billion, a 28% increase from 2020, yet still below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
Where do visitors to Denver come from?
- Denver’s appeal drew travellers from all over the United States in 2022 and 2023, with domestic tourists mostly from California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Kansas.3
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How many people visit Rocky Mountain National Park each year?
Rocky Mountain National Park located in Colorado received 4.12 million visits in 2023.
- Rocky Mountain National Park received 4.67 million visitors in 2019. By 2020, this number decreased by 29% to 3.31 million due to the pandemic and a temporary closure caused by a forest fire.
Visitor numbers began to recover in 2021, reaching 4.43 million. However, the number of visits declined to 4.3 million in 2022 and decreased further to 4.12 million in 2023.
How many people visit Rocky Mountain National Park each year?
Rocky Mountain National Park located in Colorado received 4.12 million visits in 2023.
- Rocky Mountain National Park received 4.67 million visitors in 2019. By 2020, this number decreased by 29% to 3.31 million due to the pandemic and a temporary closure caused by a forest fire.
Visitor numbers began to recover in 2021, reaching 4.43 million. However, the number of visits declined to 4.3 million in 2022 and decreased further to 4.12 million in 2023.
Must-See Attractions in Denver
- Denver Zoo: Home to over 3,000 animals across 450 species, the zoo draws about 2 million visitors each year.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: The museum offers diverse exhibitions and educational programs, welcoming about 1.4 million visitors annually.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Known for its natural beauty and acoustically perfect amphitheatre, Red Rocks attracts over 1 million visitors annually.
- Denver’s Union Station: A historic transit hub that also offers dining, shopping, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors every year.
- Larimer Square: Denver’s historic block features Victorian buildings, dining, and shopping. The square is popular among both locals and tourists.
When is the best time to visit Denver?
- The best time to visit Denver, Colorado, is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s (°F). The city experiences fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities and local attractions.
- June to August (Summer) is the busiest season in Denver, with warm temperatures around 88°F in July. However, the summer season brings higher prices and larger crowds.
- Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and winter sports, with colder temperatures in the 30s to 40s (°F), and the city is less crowded during this time.
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