A visiting delegation from Aspen, Colorado will share ideas with local representatives and discuss the common challenges faced by the two tourism hotspots at a ‘sister city’ event this week.

The visit provides opportunities to share knowledge and reciprocal learnings around regenerative tourism, housing, economic diversity and arts and culture, which are areas of focus for both destinations, mayor Glyn Lewers said.

Aspen and Queenstown have shared a long-standing sister city relationship, first founded in 1992, with a history of useful business and educational exchanges over the years. 

“We became sister cities so we could learn from each other’s experiences managing vibrant and popular destination towns,” Glyn said.

“In fact, a QLDC visit to Aspen played a role in the formation of the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust in 2007.”

He said the two areas share many common challenges, from housing affordability to “ensuring that the visitor economy is one that is sustainable and regenerative”. 

The delegation from Aspen includes its mayor, city manager and the president and CEO of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.

They will be hosted by Destination Queenstown and Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce as well as QLDC.

During their time in Queenstown, the delegation is participating in a business lunch featuring a panel discussion with both mayors. 

The lunch is being hosted by the Queenstown Chamber and facilitated by Christine Sharp, the CEO of the New Zealand branch of the Aspen Institute.

“There are a few busy days ahead for everyone involved,” Glyn said.

The last visit was in November 2017 when Aspen Mayor Steve Skadron visited with a focus on housing, transport and climate change.

PHOTO: QLDC