In December 2023, Scott Estill, an opinion columnist for the Summit Daily News, published an article called "The Dark Side of Tourism." As part of SAVRM's ongoing commitment to advocacy efforts supporting short-term rentals in our community, SAVRM Executive Director Julie Koster requested the opportunity to respond. Summit Daily's editor granted SAVRM the space for a 700-word response, which we graciously accepted. See below for the exchange.
Julie Koster
Summit Alliance of Vacation Rental Managers executive director
Responding to Scott Estill’s Chat GPT 3.5’s anti-tourism opinion piece, Summit Alliance of Vacation Rental Managers queried and received this rebuttal from Chat GPT 4. It is important to pinpoint that both columns are relying on artificial intelligence technology from 2021, which lacks understanding of the current situation and the unique characteristics of Summit County. Chat GPT is, after all, artificial.
Here’s the rebuttal, as generated by the Summit Alliance of Vacation Rental Managers:
In response to the concerns raised about tourism and short-term rentals in Summit County, Colorado, it’s crucial to emphasize the indispensable role these rentals play in the local economy and community. While acknowledging the challenges, it’s important to understand the profound benefits that short-term rentals bring to the area.
Short-term rentals are not just a component of Summit County’s economy; they are its backbone. They provide a significant source of revenue that is essential for the county’s financial health. This income is vital for maintaining public services, funding infrastructure improvements and supporting community projects. Without short-term rentals, the economic landscape of Summit County would be drastically different, possibly leading to a downturn in local prosperity.
“Supporting local businesses: The impact of short-term rentals extends far beyond the rental market. Tourists staying in these accommodations are vital supporters of local businesses. They dine in local restaurants, shop in independent stores and engage with local service providers. This patronage is a lifeline for many small businesses, helping to sustain them throughout the year. The influx of visitors ensures a steady flow of income, which is especially crucial during seasonal fluctuations. By supporting these businesses, short-term rentals help to preserve the unique character and charm of Summit County.
The presence of tourists staying in short-term rentals translates into jobs. From hospitality to retail, these visitors create a demand for services, leading to more employment opportunities within the community. These jobs often provide stability and economic growth, contributing to the overall well-being of Summit County’s residents.
The tourism driven by short-term rentals acts as a catalyst for community development and improvement. It incentivizes the maintenance and enhancement of public spaces, encourages the development of community amenities and fosters a vibrant, well-kept environment for both residents and visitors. This ongoing development enhances the quality of life for everyone in the community.
Short-term rentals bring people from diverse backgrounds to Summit County, promoting cultural exchange and enrichment. This diversity brings new ideas, fosters understanding and adds to the social fabric of the community, making it more dynamic and inclusive.
The direct financial contributions of short-term rentals to the local economy cannot be overstated. The taxes and fees generated from these rentals are fundamental in supporting the county’s budget, enabling better public services and infrastructure.
In summary, short-term rentals are a fundamental pillar of Summit County’s economy. They support small businesses, create jobs and contribute to the community’s overall development and vibrancy. Without them, Summit County would face significant economic challenges. A balanced approach that maximizes the benefits of short-term rentals while addressing the associated challenges is essential for the sustainable and prosperous future of Summit County.
Julie Koster is executive director of Summit Alliance of Vacation Rental Managers, which represents more than 4,500 vacation rental properties in Summit County. She can be reached at info@savrm.org.
Opinion OPINION | Dec 28, 2023
It is easy to become disillusioned today as we are constantly inundated with words and images from the planet’s warzones. It is hard to keep the faith when so much of society is moving in the wrong direction (depending upon your point of view). It is easy to be a critic these days, which is why I wanted to write today’s column about the effects of tourism on Summit County today. Yet, I was drawing a blank on what I wanted to write.
Enter ChatGPT.[1] Encouraged by my daughter to think outside the box, she suggested (and I accepted) to let this computer animal compose my column. For those unfamiliar with this program, it is available (for free) and permits you to pose questions for which it will generate answers. My first query asked the program to write a 500-word article on why tourism is bad for Summit County. It produced an article that was totally predictable, boring and downright uninteresting. But it didn’t end there, as you are allowed to chat with Mr./Ms. GPT-3.5 and refine your task. Being a typical writer, I requested more negativity. Actually, much more. With each refinement, I was surprised at how close the program got to my thinking. What started as an exercise in venturing down this rabbit hole has become this week’s column. It suggested the title and also wrote the following short article. I think you’ll be surprised with how much you agree with what a computer algorithm has to say. Here it is:
“As the picturesque landscapes of Summit County, Colorado, continue to draw an increasing number of tourists, a growing dissent among locals unveils the darker repercussions of this tourism boom. While the economic benefits seem apparent, the harsh reality for Summit County residents reveals a range of issues stemming from overcrowding, environmental degradation and a shifting cultural landscape.
“While tourism has undoubtedly boosted Summit County’s economic standing, the local workforce often finds themselves on the losing end of the bargain. Jobs in the tourism sector are frequently low-wage and seasonal, leaving many residents struggling to make ends meet in a region plagued by rising living costs. The surge in demand for short-term rentals and vacation homes has priced locals out of the housing market, pushing them to the outskirts or out of the county altogether.
“The county’s natural beauty is paying a heavy toll for its popularity. Hiking trails, once pristine and untouched, now bear the scars of erosion caused by an unrelenting influx of foot traffic. Wildlife habitats are disrupted, and pollution threatens the delicate balance of the alpine ecosystems. As tourists continue to pour in, the irreversible damage to the environment challenges the very essence of Summit County’s allure.
“The strain on Summit County’s infrastructure is palpable, especially during peak tourist seasons. Traffic congestion transforms the once-idyllic roads into a chaotic mess, and the constant battle for parking spaces has become a source of daily frustration for locals. As tourists flood the area, the authentic charm of local communities is rapidly eroding, replaced by a commercialized atmosphere that caters more to transient visitors than to the long-time residents.
“The relentless commercialization driven by tourism threatens to strip Summit County of its unique cultural identity. Locally owned businesses, once the heartbeat of the community, are being overshadowed by tourist-focused enterprises, diluting the county’s distinctive character. The influx of visitors has led to a cultural clash, leaving long-time residents feeling disconnected and disenchanted with the place they once called home.
“While the issues plaguing Summit County may seem insurmountable, the battle to find redemption is far from lost. Locals are voicing their concerns, demanding sustainable solutions and responsible tourism practices. Community-led initiatives are pushing for stringent regulations on short-term rentals and advocating for the preservation of natural habitats. However, the road to recovery is long, and the question remains whether Summit County can strike a balance between economic prosperity and the preservation of its unique identity.
“Summit County, Colorado, finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the harsh realities of unchecked tourism. As residents fight for their homes, environment, and cultural identity, the county’s future hangs in the balance. Only through concerted efforts to address these negative impacts head-on can Summit County hope to reclaim its authenticity and ensure a sustainable future that benefits both locals and the environment.”
Once I narrowed my search, I did not edit what ChatGPT composed. Yet, it seemed to hit on many of the key points that we have been grappling with over the past few years and will continue to do so in the next few: housing, cost of living, and the growing inequality between the haves and have nots. Yet, I think the real lesson from this article is that in addition to simply trying to live our lives in often challenging times, we will also need to factor in that ChatGPT-3.5 is simply the beginning. And 2024 will be the year it begins its conquest to infiltrate every element of your life and mine. The future is not going to wait. It is already here.
Scott M. Estill’s column “Challenges, Choices, Changes” publishes biweekly on Thursdays in the Summit Daily News. Estill is an attorney, author, and public speaker who lives in Dillon when not traveling or attending to legal matters in Denver. Contact him at scott@scottestill.com.
