SPONSERED CONTENT

By Amber Carvalho

Join The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources for the Experience: Tourism Naturally event on Wednesday, October 10th. From 11 am – 3 pm, stop by the west lawn and lagoon of the Lory Student Center to celebrate tourism and outdoor recreation at Colorado State University.

This event is open to the public and will host a variety of people and businesses who are passionate about outdoor recreation and the tourism industry. Students, alumni, student clubs, campus organizations, outdoor recreation retail and food businesses, and the Colorado outdoor recreation community are invited to come together to celebrate nature-based recreation at CSU. Tourism is the largest employer globally (1 in 10 jobs) and the outdoor recreation industry is almost double pharmaceuticals and the automotive industries. With CSU being a leader in nature-based tourism and Fort Collins an epicenter of outdoor recreation, we have reason to celebrate.

This free event has something for everyone. Enjoy live music while you stock up on free adventure food and prizes from our sponsors. Talk with prospective employers, such as Vail Resorts, Topo Designs, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or look into student clubs that participate in outdoor recreation and tourism. Beat your friends in yard games and outdoor recreation activities, and try out the virtual reality downhill skiing simulation. Interested in learning something new? Attend one of the demos on fly fishing, rock climbing, slacklining, bike repair, and more!

This year’s keynote speaker is Luis Benitez, Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, who will be discussing his office and its efforts for Colorado and the country. Benitez highlights the benefits of outdoor recreation, stating “Outdoor recreation benefits everyone! [It] keeps you healthier and happier and also provides jobs to a robust economy here in Colorado.”

Luis first became interested in outdoor recreation through hunting, fishing and rock climbing, but his passion has greatly expanded throughout his career. Some of his accomplishments include summiting the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including the summit of Mt. Everest six times. Through this experience, Luis has emerged one of the most respected and busiest professional guides and leadership development consultants in the world. The message that Luis hopes to resonate with everyone is this: “If you really challenge yourself, you can truly change your world.”

The Experience: Tourism Naturally event is a great opportunity to learn more about the Colorado Tourism industry and find out about the degree programs offered by The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. Paul Layden, Academic Support Coordinator, explains “The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources has been at the forefront of nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation for over 30 years. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the social aspects of the environment, livelihoods and tourism.”

HDNR prepares students for a variety of jobs in nature-based tourism and conservation while teaching transferable skills such as collaborating with people with diverse insights and opinions, leading others, and interpersonal skills. Along with this conservation focus, the department explores stewardship, responsible enjoyment, and the management of natural and cultural resources. With immersive field courses and the opportunity to participate in research projects or education abroad, HDNR students get valuable hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Don’t miss this fun, informative and free event! For more information, check out the @ColoradoStateHDNR Facebook page or visit their website at warnercnr.colostate.edu/hdnr.