Snowmass director of tourism resigns
The Aspen Times
The director of Snowmass Village’s government tourism arm resigned Thursday after just seven months on the job.
Yan Baczkowski said in a statement that his resignation would take effect immediately. Group Sales Director Fred Brodsky has been appointed interim director of Snowmass Tourism.
“I have truly enjoyed my time representing this great destination these past few months and being a part of the change that this resort so desperately needed to remain competitive in the future,” Baczkowski said. “This was a most difficult yet personal decision I made with my future and family in mind.”
Baczkowski showed appreciation for the members of the Marketing, Special Events and Group Sales Board, an advisory body that works with Snowmass Tourism; stakeholders; the Colorado Tourism Office; and “many of our talented Snowmass Tourism staff.”
“I am fully confident that the future of our world-class destination is very bright and the growth in tourism and visitation that we have seen these past two seasons and the incredible line-up in store for next summer will continue for years to come,” Baczkowski said. “I am very proud of the key accomplishments that took place during my time with the organization and helped the destination realize significant growth in tax collections, occupancy and notoriety, especially on international markets.”
The town saw 6.5 percent more revenue than expected in 2013 due to higher sales and real estate transactions, according to the annual report issued Jan. 31. That calculation did not include December revenue. A report issued Thursday by resort-tracking agency DestiMetrics said that Snowmass hotel occupancy over the past six months is up 12.9 percent.
Baczkowski attempted to grow Snowmass’ international clout by attending trade shows in overseas locations such as Namibia and London. Some marketing board members questioned the value of Baczkowski’s travel during a meeting on Dec. 12. Board member Bob Purvis suggested the group return to the topic and discuss how to measure the return on investment.
Baczkowski discussed the possibility of resigning during a private session in the board’s next regular meeting, which was Tuesday.
“The board was aware,” member Robert Sinko said.
From upstate New York, Baczkowski came to Colorado from France, where he managed tourism for the Verbier/St. Bernard region. He started the job in Snowmass on July 15.
Brodsky also acted as interim director after Susan Hamley resigned from the position last spring. Hamley, who led the department for 10 years, announced her decision in February but stayed through the end of Snowmass’ ski season.
“The town respects Yan’s decision and appreciates all of his experience while on the job and the accomplishments that he has brought to the town,” said Town Manager Gary Suiter in a statement. “We wish Yan much success and best wishes with his future endeavors.”
