The City of Aspen received a great idea from local Paul McFarlane called "Adopt A Tourist." The concept is really simple.
So, what is Adopt A Tourist? It’s formalizing what Aspenites do every day by welcoming visitors to town. Travelers can sign up to “be adopted” while in Aspen by locals. They get an insider-locals-type experience of Aspen, guided by volunteer locals. Ideally, they then leave with more than a photograph; they leave with a friend and an even better reason to come back to Aspen.
In addition, locals and tourists will be eligible for discounts and other special deals through the Adopt A Tourist program when they are out on the town together. Participating vendors so far include the Aspen Club and Spa, the Mustang Bar and Grill, Victoria's Espresso and Tea, and the list is growing. Deals for adoptees and adopters will be posted on our Facebook page once they are formalized and the program is off and running.
Participants are required to fill out a short questionnaire based on preferences and sign a release of liability. The City of Aspen (community relations director Sally Spaulding) will pair adopters with adoptees, and the rest is up to the participants.
For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Community-Relations/Adopt-A-Tourist-/. If you know of any locals (or tourists) who would like to participate in something like this, please encourage them to do so! And if you know of a business owner who may want to partner in this, please have them get in touch with me.