I disagree, leaps and bounds stronger in Black and White. I think your initial instinct to make this black and white was correct.
I don't understand this statement about it being a "tourist shot"? That makes absolutely no sense to me...it's a basic scenic image that worked out well, not touristy at all.
The crop you chose was good as well, allowing the line of those clouds to finish tight on the right,. Also, good choice to use 4x5 proportions/aspect.
I dont like the footprints on the left, Id smooth that all out and forget about the human presence..something akward about the way they take up that corner.