Colorado is currently experiencing a buzz that comes with unprecedented demand. With a new direct flight recently launched by Norwegian in September of this year, and a further nonstop route set for March 2018 from United Airlines, the state is set to be a hotspot for UK travellers moving into 2018.

With 12 regional airports, Colorado is the ideal destination for a stunning road trip. Historically a second-time state for many UK travellers, the ease of access now puts it firmly on the map as a hop-to destination. From Denver International Airport it's a short drive to the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, or an easy flight beyond.

Denver is experiencing a boom like never seen before, with RiNo, LoDo, LoHi, NoDo, SoCo and SoBo all enjoying a renaissance. RiNo has also been touted by Lonely Planet as one of the 10 hottest neighbourhoods to watch in 2018. Denver will be the 50th host city for next year's IPW conference.

With this current buzz and new product developing across the state, more programmes are being developed by tour operators in the UK than ever before. Those currently developing new programmes in the UK are Audley, Barrhead Travel, Destinology, Original Travel and Flight Centre; whilst operators enhancing product are American Sky, American and Worldwide Travel, BA Holidays, Discover North America, myamericaholiday.co.uk, North American Travel Service and USAirtours.

Affluent skiers have always enjoyed the challenging slopes of Colorado, and there's more to this bountiful state when the snow melts, uncovering a world of adventure.

Cathy Ritter, Director of Colorado Tourism Office, said: “The UK is our number one overseas market and, with the introduction of new flights from Norwegian in 2017 and United in 2018, we now have more direct routes from the UK than ever before. Catering to every budget, travellers can find a wealth of adventurous experiences in Colorado; from city to the great outdoors and music festivals to Western culture, there is much to discover in the state of Colorado. For those wanting to find out why everyone's talking about Colorado – now is never a better time to visit.”

Colorado Tourism Office in partnership with United Airlines will be hosting a WTM on-stand reception at 4pm on Monday 6th November, and on Wednesday 8th November with Norwegian. Please visit stand: NA270.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 27 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as 'Fourteeners'. Colorado is the gateway to the West with direct flights from the UK to Denver served by British Airways and Norwegian, as well as indirect with Icelandair. From 25th March 2018, United will launch a daily direct route from London Heathrow.

Further information can be found at www.colorado.com

Consumer social media handles www.facebook.com/coloradoukireland & www.twitter.com/coloradoukeire