Planning for the 2024 Utah Tourism Conference (UTC) hosted in Layton on September 24-27, 2024 is in full swing!

The UTC Conference Planning Committee is pushing out a Call for Content. Whether you are interested in providing content or an attendee looking to request specific content be presented, please feel free to offer your submission, due Friday, May 24, 2024

Please note that the organizers will do their best to incorporate all content shared and requested and that this information will be held for future UTC planning. In deciding UTC content, organizers take into account the current state of the tourism industry, prior year’s UTC attendee survey, attendee demographic, etc.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame, a long-standing award presented by the Utah Office of Tourism along with the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA). We’re seeking recommendations from peers and coworkers within the tourism industry for individuals dedicated to improving their communities, engaging in generating and advocating for funding and community initiatives, and helping stimulate tourism and stakeholder business.

Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients are selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through leadership, long-standing contributions to their region or to the entire state. Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 128 recipients who have contributed toward improving the national/international recognition of the positive aspects of vacationing in Utah, enhanced the understanding of Utah residents regarding the attractions of their state and the economic development benefits of tourism for the state, and facilitated efforts of improving the business climate for tourism-related businesses in Utah.

If you know someone who has contributed to Utah’s tourism industry, we’d love to hear your nominees for this year’s Tourism Hall of Fame.

• April 1 – Nomination process open – application form
• April 26 – Nominations due
• July 1 – Final selection
• September 27 – Inductees will be announced and honored at the Hall of Fame Breakfast during the Utah Tourism Conference at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah.

See past winners here.

One hundred years after Utah made its film debut, the Utah Film Commission, which is also celebrating 50 years this year, has unveiled the “100 Years of Film & Television” exhibit at the Utah State Capitol.

From Jan. 11 through the end of 2024, the 4th floor of the Utah State Capitol building will host an exhibit highlighting some of the thousands of productions that have been filmed in Utah, featuring the people and places that have brought these films and television shows to life over the last century. The exhibit was inspired by James V. D’Arc’s book, “When Hollywood Came to Utah.”

“Over the last century, our landscapes have sparked the imaginations of some of the greatest storytellers in the world and have also inspired many to see these places for themselves,” said Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce. “The 2024 celebration is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate not only the iconic film and television moments that were made in Utah but the people and places behind those moments.”

The Utah Film Commission is also curating a traveling extension of the exhibit in collaboration with the Utah Division of Arts and Museums to be shown around the state and soon will be unveiling a permanent, immersive experience; the Utah Historic Film Trail, with markers at memorable locations seen on the big and small screens across the state. Details on 100 Years of Utah Film & Television events, exhibits and special screenings can be found here.

Visitors have always been drawn to Utah’s image in film and television, and the economic impact of this has been immense. A 2023 survey indicates that 37% of visitors cite film and/or television among the primary motivators in selecting Utah as a destination. Over the last 10 years, those visitors have spent an estimated $6 billion in our state.

Thousands of productions have been filmed in Utah, including “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “127 Hours,” to name only a few. Many episodic series have also been filmed in Utah, such as “Yellowstone,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” and “Westworld.” From Salt Lake City to rural areas all over the state, Utah has greatly benefited from the film and television industry both culturally and economically.

“Utah’s splendor is undeniable, and its century-long journey in film is a testament to that. Unparalleled scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant creative community are what drew me to this region. It was that beauty alone that created the foundation of my movie,” said Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, who has filmed numerous projects in Utah, including the upcoming, multi-part film “Horizon: An American Saga.”

The Utah Film Commission is part of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Office of Tourism.

New Managing Director Announced 

Natalie Randall has been named the new Managing Director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film, effective February 12, 2024. The appointment was announced by Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. The appointment was made with the enthusiastic support of Gov. Spencer J.  Cox after Starks led a consultation process with the Utah Board of Tourism and Development and the board of the Utah Tourism Industry Association. Starks said Randall brings the perfect combination of experience and vision to the office.

“Natalie’s experience in destination marketing and management, along with her proven ability to navigate complex policy issues, makes her uniquely qualified to assume this new role,” said Starks. “We are excited for her leadership as she and her team further advance Utah as a premier global tourism destination.”

Natalie will replace Vicki Varela, who will retire on February 10, 2024, after leading the visitor economy through a period of unparalleled prosperity and establishment of the Red Emerald Strategic Plan to create a perpetual high-quality visitor economy.

In this role, Natalie will oversee the national and international strategies of Utah’s tourism and film economies. Natalie currently serves as the executive director of the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA), where she oversees advocacy, communication, collaboration and education efforts. She also serves on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission, Utah Board of Tourism Development, Rural Opportunity Advisor Committee, State Workforce Development Board, and the United Way of Eastern Utah.

Natalie Randall said she is honored to accept the responsibility. “I’m inspired by the momentum we have created as an industry. Tourism is a significant piece to Utah’s economy and represents the pride we have of our communities throughout the state,” shared Natalie Randall. “The product is why people choose to live, work, and play here. I’m thrilled and deeply honored to have been chosen to continue carrying this message.”

Introducing the new Utah travel guide, your key to unlocking the state’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Delve into the wonders of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, explore pristine ski slopes, discover the vibrant urban atmosphere of the Wasatch Front and traverse the scenic drives that connect charming towns along the way. Our comprehensive guide is a roadmap to discovery, ensuring you don’t miss the hidden gems and local delights scattered along your route. You can download a digital version or order a printed guide by mail.

State officials are prepared to deploy a contingency plan to keep Utah’s National Parks open for visitors and residents alike

SALT LAKE CITY — SEPT. 29, 2023 — With the government shutdown imminent, Utah State Officials are prepared to deploy a contingency plan to keep Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks open.

“Our first priority is watching out for visitors who have traveled from all over the world to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our National Parks will remain open,” said Vicki Varela, Managing Director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “We are also mindful of the communities that rely on the visitor economy, and of course, protecting the natural environment of these beautiful places.” 

Utah plans to provide earmarked funds to cover basic operating expenses to various National Parks foundations affiliated with the national parks. The foundations will not operate the parks, but will transfer state funds to the parks to underwrite basic operations. Essential services that will be covered include visitor centers, permitting, trash pickup and bathroom cleanup. Discussions are also underway with the Department of Interior to ensure plans are in place for shuttle operations in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. 

In addition to Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks, the following federally managed natural assets will also be funded:

• Natural Bridges National Monument
• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Bear River Bird Refuge
• Hovenweep National Monument

“In Utah, we have the best economy in the United States, arguably in the nation and we intend to keep it that way,” said Ryan Starks, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “We have encumbered $5 million to ensure the state’s National Parks remain open, despite the government shutdown.”     

The Utah Office of Tourism is proud to support Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks. Below are just a few statistics about the powerful impact of visitation to the state’s National Parks on tourism:

• According to US Travel, the shutdown will cost the U.S. travel economy as much as $140 million a day and impact access to our national parks and federal lands.
• According to the 2022 National Park Service Visitor Spending Effects Report, Utah is among the top three states for total economic output from national park visitor spending, with an astounding $2.6 billion contribution to our economy.
• Utah also ranks among the top three states for jobs supported by national park economic output, with 23,300 livelihoods depending on the visitor economy. These are not just numbers; they represent the livelihoods of our friends, family members, and neighbors.

In addition, Utah’s 46 State Parks are open, staffed, and ready to welcome visitors. “Tourism plays a vital role in sustaining Utah’s rural economies, and our state,” said Utah State Parks Director, Jeff Rasmussen. “Our parks take pride in facilitating visitor experiences. Our doors are always open.” 

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About the Utah Office of Tourism:

The Utah Office of Tourism’s (UOT) mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship, and development. Marketing: UOT curates messaging that inspires visitation, supports local businesses, and builds the Utah economy. Stewardship: UOT manages visitation statewide and supports the responsible discovery of Utah. Development: UOT partners with local communities to enhance and develop their visitor economies to benefit residents and visitors. Learn more at visitutah.com and travel.utah.gov.

Included In This Toolkit
In collaboration and celebration with Governor Cox declaring April 2023 Utah’s third official Dark Sky Month, the Utah Office of Tourism has updated its toolkit with dark sky-related resources and assets for our tourism industry partners to utilize and share throughout this month and beyond.

The Dark Skies Edition Toolkit includes the following resources:

• Beginners Guide to Dark Skies Exploration
• Astrotourism Industry Guide
• 2023 UOT Dark Sky Month Declaration Release
• Visit Utahs Social Tips for Dark Skies
• Shareable Dark Sky Digital Content from VisitUtah.com
• UOT’s Dark Sky Image Library

Utah Dark Sky Month Declaration – From the Office of Governor Spencer J. Cox
Governor Cox declared the month of April as Utah Dark Sky Month for the third consecutive year. The declaration encourages residents and visitors alike to celebrate this month by visiting one of Utah’s 24 accredited International Dark Sky Places – including all of the Mighty 5® national parks, 10 state parks, and two communities.

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week – April 15-22, 2023
Every year, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) hosts International Dark Sky Week during the month of April in order to create greater awareness about light pollution and its negative consequences, the solutions, and simultaneously celebrate the night. This year, IDA is inviting everyone to discover the night during the week of April 15-22, 2023. This is an exciting opportunity to create interest and bring new people into the dark sky movement.

Utah State Parks – Dark Sky Events and Programming
Justina Parsons-Bernstein, Dark Sky Initiative ​Coordinator for Utah State Parks, has compiled a list of dark sky events and programming that occurs across the state throughout the year. Keep up to date with each park’s website and social media pages, linked in the document, for current scheduling.

Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism – Collaboration of the Dark Sky Cooperatives
In January 2022, the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University became the home base for the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range Dark Sky Cooperatives. Through this partnership, informational and educational resources of both organizations have been collated into the Gateway & Natural Amenity Region Initiative’s GNAR Dark Skies Toolkit. These tools can be used by individuals, communities, and planners to promote and protect natural night skies. 

Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism – Dark Sky Passport Program
The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University has developed a fun, new way to experience Utah’s dark skies with the Dark Sky Passport. Order your passport then visit a Dark Sky Place where you can see the stars, enjoy the great outdoors at night, and connect with the cosmos. Complete the activities in the passport, get your passport stamped, and share your experience. You’ll then receive an official Dark Sky Passport Certificate you can proudly display. And make sure you visit the organization’s More Dark Sky Activities webpage for additional information and activities.

Resorts Can Now Become Dark-Sky Certified
Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase was recently recognized as the first  DarkSky Approved Lodging location for its distinguished sky quality. Developed in partnership with Under Canvas, the DarkSky Lodging certification program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality companies to join in DarkSky’s efforts to protect the night sky from light pollution. Read more about the program here.