Visit Grand Junction, Rollee Smith and Taryn Brooks received 2026 Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Colorado Tourism Efforts during the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference in September at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge.

• Visit Grand Junction was recognized for its innovative Grand Junction Outdoor Adventure Pass, which received the Governor’s Award for Exemplary Destination Stewardship Initiative. The award highlights a Colorado community, Tribal nation or region that has designed and delivered a collaborative program, project or policy that directly advances the Colorado Tourism Office’s Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan.
• Smith, a longtime Visit Grand Junction volunteer, received the Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer. The award celebrates an individual who has selflessly dedicated time and energy to furthering tourism in Colorado and improving the visitor experience.
• Brooks, owner and operator of Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar in downtown Grand Junction, received a Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker Award. The award recognizes Brooks and her business’s contributions to Grand Junction’s tourism and hospitality community.