Your second post does offer a bit more clarity. The first was a bit muddled as to purpose, so you can forgive Rob's response. I was equally confused.
I think you might be asking the wrong questions, at least initially. It might be better to begin by seeking information about what types of workshops photographers prefer and why the choose a particular workshop. The answer to the first question is undoubtedly landscapes, the answer to the second is either, depending on the individual, location or workshop leader. Either can be a compelling draw. The more casual photographer usually uses location as the primary consideration, whereas the more experienced and serious photographer is usually more interested in the leader.
Now, there are also studio-based workshops which focus on subjects such as portraits, lighting, nudes, etc. that are popular, but require lots of indoor space in which to work. If you can provide that, then that is a definite option as well.
While Vail is pretty, it doesn't offer the unique splendor of places like Death Valley or Yellowstone or Zion. You need to figure out what makes Vail visually compelling and special (simply pretty is NOT enough) so you can convince both potential students and faculty to make the commitment.
FYI, established schools such as Maine Photographic Workshops and Sante Fe Workshops have had it a bit rough the last few years and have cancelled quite a few classes. Unlike location-based workshops, they have a pretty big overheads to consider including equipment, rent, staff, maintenance, etc, thus their overall costs (not necessarily prices, though) are higher.
As for the workshop "gurus", you might want to focus your attention more towards established workshop leaders who have both name recognition and respect as photographers and teachers. Sure photo agency people and war correspondents might sound nice, but are they going to be big draws? I'm saying otherwise, just giving you something to consider.
Communities do benefit from the revenue, but there can also be a backlash. I know, from firsthand experience, that many residence who live near the Maine Photographic Workshops campus are sick and tired of seeing photographers. Some hate 'em outright. It's a very small community and each session brings in hundreds of students. It's understandable. Sante Fe is a much larger and more artsy city, so they don't really have that problem. You'll have to gauge your own communities level of acceptance level, I guess.