DENVER — Downtown Colorado, Inc. has announced the official launch of a sister byways partnership between the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission and the Scenic Byway Hokkaido Promotion Council in Japan. The agreement marks the start of a long-term collaboration to enrich heritage experiences and promote cultural understanding along scenic byways in both regions.
In Brief:
Colorado and Hokkaido announce sister scenic byways pact
Partnership aims to revitalize byways and boost tourism
Events planned in both regions to celebrate the agreement
Agreement highlights heritage, culture and collaboration
The partnership will focus on revitalizing byways, organizing peer exchanges through reciprocal visits, creating joint initiatives and developing guidelines for future collaboration.
“We are thrilled to formalize this exciting partnership with Hokkaido,” said Lenore Bates, Colorado Byways Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Transportation. “This is a unique opportunity to work with such an exceptional group to share the history of our regions with locals and international visitors.”
As part of the initiative, Hokkaido hosted a celebration on June 16 to mark the Scenic Byway Hokkaido’s 20th anniversary and welcome Colorado representatives. A follow-up event will take place in Colorado on July 21 at the Golden Welcome Center along the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway.
The Colorado celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with remarks from state and local officials on the role of scenic byways in preserving culture, heritage, transportation and community vitality. The event will include a display of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June, remarks from an official Hokkaido representative and a traditional “kanpai” toast, followed by a reception featuring a Taiko drum performance.
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AloJapan.com