The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame is presented by the Utah Office of Tourism and the Utah Tourism Industry Association. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected annually for contributions made to Utah’s tourism industry at the state, regional, or local levels. The Hall of Fame was first introduced in 1985 and has recognized 118 individuals who have elevated life in Utah through their leadership in tourism marketing, stewardship, and destination management.
2020 Utah Tourism Industry Hall of Fame Recipients
The 2020 Hall of Fame recipients were acknowledged in September at the Utah Tourism Conference, held virtually with a limited in-person event at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
“This is an award about recognizing leadership in one of Utah’s largest economic sectors,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s recipients who have all made significant and sustaining contributions to Utah’s tourism industry, particularly during challenging times.”
2020 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Recipients:
Val Hale, Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
As the Executive Director of the Utah’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Val has guided the state’s economic development efforts in business, tourism and film. Val has been a champion for tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities, helping put Utah on the map as a premier destination across the globe and helping all Utahns live “Life Elevated.” Val has been instrumental in paving a path towards recovery for Utah’s tourism industry as a resourceful, collaborative and innovative leader.
Joyce Kelly, International Marketing Manager, Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
As the International Marketing Manager for the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Joyce Kelly has proven herself an asset to Utah. She has been instrumental in putting the Greater Zion area and other destinations in Southern Utah on the international map. She has built and strengthened relationships with key tour operators across the globe and through these relationships has brought visitors from around the world to Utah’s National Parks.
Bill Malone, President and CEO, Park City Chamber/Bureau
As the President and CEO at Park City Chamber/Bureau, Bill has been invaluable to the Park City community. Bill is a talented destination ambassador and has led one the most effective Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the country. He has an eye for talent and has attracted/retained/developed industry leaders who bring hundreds of millions in revenue to the community every year. Bill has demonstrated a flexible and adaptive aptitude to new trends, yet preserves the history and integrity of the destination.
2019
- Pat Holmes, Visit Salt Lake
- Kim McClelland, Deer Valley
2018
- Onno Wieringa, Alta Ski Area
- Connie Marshall, Alta Ski Area
2017
- Hans Fuegi, Grub Steak Restaurant (UOT Board)
- Charlie Delorme, San Juan County Economic Development & Visitor Services
- Nan Groves Anderson, UTIA
2016
- Dennis Copyak, Le Bus
- Senator Wayne L. Niederhauser, Utah Senate
2015
- Representative Brad R. Wilson, Utah House of Representatives
- Marian Delay, Moab Area Travel Council
2014
- Keith Griffall, Western Leisure, Inc.
- Governor Gary R. Herbert, Utah Governor’s Office
2013
- Bruce Fullmer, Garfield County Travel Council
- Leigh von der Esch, Utah Office of Tourism & Film
2012
- Scott Hardy, Scott Hardy Design (UOT calendar designer)
- Brent Beck
2011
- Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort
- Senator Dennis Stowell, Utah Senate
2010
- Red Oelerich, Outdoor Utah Magazine
- Raelene Davis, Ski Utah
2009
- John Williams
- Edgar B. Stern Jr.
- Harold Lyman
- Tom Guinney, Gastronomy, Inc (Market Street Grill)
2008
- Bob Syrett, Ruby’s Inn (UOT Board member)
- Rick Davis
- Dick Bass, Snowbird Ski Resort
2007
- Beth Gurrister
- Cleal Bradford, San Juan County Foundation
2006
- Richard Bradford, DCED/DBED
- Bob Jones
2005
- Peggy Humphreys
- Randy Harmsen
- Diane Nelson Binger
- Senator Scott K Jenkins, Utah Senate
2000
- Stanley M. Smoot & Mary Ellen Smoot
- Laree Garfield
1998
- Merlin Olsen, Utah State & NFL football player
- Kent Derricott
1996
- Mari Lou Wood
- Claire K. Lee & Betty C. Miller
- Kenneth Y. Knight
- Dennis F. Judd
- Barbara C. Fjeldsted
- John C. Beaslin
1994
- Von B. Wayman
- Louis E. Miller
- Garth Heaton
1993
- Leuella Broby Seeholzer
- Fred H. Rollins, III
- Elizabeth “Teddy” Griffith
- Claude Atkin
1992
- Carma Thomas
- Tex & Millie McClatchy
- Felix C. Koziol
- Michael D, Gallivan
- Jack Adamson
1991
- Stan Tixier
- Stein Eriksen, Olympic Gold medalist, Stein Eriksen Lodge
- Athleen Fishburn
- Don Nebeker
- Gene Nodine
- Don Hatch
1990
- Al Earley
- Elaine Henderson
- Royal Henderson
- Alma H. Truman
- Dean R. Smith
- Thelma L. Jones
- Craig Badami
1989
- E.R. “Zeke” Dumke Jr.
- Vail Hatt
- Dwight Wetenkamp
- Bradley P. Smith
- Gerald R. Sherratt
1988
- Fern Morrison
- Ward J. Roylance
- Burton K. Nichols
- William H. Levitt
- W.D. “Bill” Rishel
1987
- Robert “Bus” Hatch
- Richard “Dick” Hammer
- Maon Pulley
- Randall Jones
1986
- Harlan Nelson
- Lawrence H. Lee
- Fay Hamblin
- Bates Wilson
- Norman Nevills
1985
- The Syrett Family, Ruby’s Inn
- Marv & Mitch Williams
- Lee Jorgenson
- Ted Seeholzer
- Don Ware
- Arch Arnold
- The Quist Family
- Ken Sleight
- John Hunt
- Milt Jolley
- Mr. & Mrs. Harry Goulding
- Kent Frost
- Fred Adams
- Ray Knell
- Phyllis Steorts
- Ken Sowards
- The Ekkers Family
- Murray Moler
- Robert Temple
- Chic Morton
- Glen Overton
- Chester Davis
- Cal Black
- Calvin Rampton, Governor’s Office (11th Governor of Utah)
- Vane & Mardean Pugh
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