The Utah Office of Tourism offers matching grants to counties, municipalities, tribes, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) interested in destination development. Working with consultants contracted with the Utah Office of Tourism, participating communities will receive on the ground technical and planning assistance that prepares them for future tourism development.  Communities will progress through the programs sequentially, with each phase building on the work done in previous phases. Upon the successful completion of all three programs, participant communities will have the vision, guidance, tools, and confidence to direct tourism growth and development.

UOT Destination Development Program Guide

Available opportunities include:

Community Assessment

Participants will be “secret shopped” by a consultant that will identify community strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities followed by a community workshop to present findings.

Participants in the community assessment can expect to receive an unbiased, professional assessment of the community’s tourism assets. UOT’s contracted consulting firm will conduct an assessment of the participant community and vicinity in regards to its status as a destination. The consulting firm will present their findings in a public workshop and provide the community with a visual report of their findings.

Participant cost: $12,500

Destination Development Strategy

Applicants will work with a consulting firm to create an action plan and strategy.

UOT’s contracted consulting firm will work with participants to develop a tourism master plan for destination development and tourism economy expansion. The plan will identify goals, strategies, and action steps to implement the ideas and suggestions identified in the plan. Communities can expect regular meetings with the consultant, a week of on-site workshops, and a presentation of findings and conclusions.

Participant cost: $20,000

Requirement: Successful completion of Community Assessment (or demonstrable equivalent)

Branding

Applicants will work with a consultant to create effective, exciting, and authentic destination brands along with a brand strategy plan to market to desired audiences.

UOT’s contracted consulting firm will work with participants to create an authentic, compelling brand and strategy for use in messaging, marketing, and internal communications. The consultant will conduct on-site and online research in addition to providing regular update and feedback meetings. The consultant will present their results and provide the community with a marketing plan and any created assets.

Participant cost: $12,500

Requirements: Successful completion of Community Assessment (or demonstrable equivalent); and

Successful completion of Strategy & Implementation (or demonstrable equivalent)