Hospitality industry helps generate $1 billion in taxes

Utah’s hospitality industry and the state’s reputation as a mecca for outdoor recreation have helped to deliver more than $1 billion in tourist-generated tax revenue last year, according to the state tourism director.

“It’s booming,” Vicki Varela, the managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, told The Associated Press. “It’s like Utah is being discovered.”

Utah’s natural treasures mix the Rocky Mountains and deserts of the Southwest, making it an attractive place for visitors and outdoor enthusiasts, Vicki Varela, the managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism said.

At the Utah Tourism Conference in Ogden, Varela told representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry that the recovering economy has boosted the number of visitors to the state.

The biggest attractions remain Utah’s ski resorts, five national parks and 43 state parks, Varela said. About 4.2 million visitors came to ski in Utah last year, according to the state tourism office.

Utah’s five national parks attracted 6.3 million visitors, while national monuments, recreation areas and historical sites attracted 5.2 million visitors. State parks saw about 4.1 million visitors. The Enterprise

Retailers set up shop as Salt Lake is still the place for premier outdoor trade show

Across the Salt Palace convention floor, equipment for climbing, hiking, boating and biking began to emerge from storage containers and an army of mannequins was outfitted in brightly colored active shoes and apparel.

It was a maze of organized chaos, but by the time doors open at 9 a.m. this morning (Wednesday), it will be a bustling and polished trade show assembling nearly 1,300 retailers from across the country.


Debate arose last year about whether Salt Lake City's accommodations and infrastructure could continue to handle the crowds associated with outdoor industry's premier trade show, but an announcement in January settled the question:

"We kind of figured it would stay here," said Justin Kline, pausing with his colleagues Monday after
hanging a series of suspended lights at their booth, Princeton Tec. "It seems like the city benefits a lot for it, and puts a lot of resources into keeping it here … A lot of the alternative cities where they were thinking about having it didn't seem realistic."

The trade show has come to Utah every winter and summer for 16 years, bringing with it an estimated $40 million annually for the state.

Last year, 26,700 people attended the show, a 9 percent increase from 2011, and this summer's attendance is expected to match, according to a release from the Outdoor Industry Association.

The show is open only to qualified retailers, manufacturers, advocates and media within the industry, and registration fills up fast. As the show has grown, registration requirements for both vendors and participants have become stricter. Deseret News

Outdoor trade show staying in Utah through 2016

One of the world's largest outdoor gear trade shows will remain in Salt Lake City through at least 2016.

Outdoor Retailer, which kicks off its winter expo Wednesday, draws more than 25,000 people to each bi-annual show and pours an estimated $40 million into Utah's economy every year.

Nielsen Expositions, which runs the lucrative shows, announced the decision Tuesday at a ski resort east of Salt Lake City. The shows have been in Utah since 1996 and previously were contracted to stay through 2014.

Organizers had considered moving the convention to other cities such as Denver or Las Vegas. With record numbers of attendees and exhibitors, organizers said they need more convention space and hotel rooms.

Two weeks ago, the state approved a $2.66 million grant to build a 150,000-square-foot exhibition tent near the city's convention center to add space for the show, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

The 4,000-member-strong Outdoor Industry Association, which sponsors the expo, also threatened to take its business elsewhere if the state didn't change course on environmental issues. At issue is a bill signed by Gov. Gary Herbert in March that demands the federal government relinquish control of public lands in Utah by 2014. The association also opposes Utah's effort to open thousands of dirt paths across public lands to motor vehicles.

In August, the group asked Herbert, an advocate for energy extraction, to signal his commitment to the outdoor industry by January.

Herbert is set to unveil his vision for outdoor recreation today.

Utah's governor called the announcement great news for the state's economy and evidence that Utah is an outdoors destination.

"It's part of our community and we are earnest in our desire to keep the show in Utah beyond 2016, even permanently," Herbert said in a statement. AJC

Long-time Utah Film and Tourism Director Retires

The director of the Utah Office of Tourism, Leigh von der Esch, has retired after a long career in state government and promoting Utah tourism.

David Williams, the deputy director of the office, has been appointed acting director.

"Leigh has done much to increase Utah’s recognition as a global business destination by launching and promoting the Utah Life Elevated brand and increasing the economic contribution of Utah’s $6.8 billion tourism industry," Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement.

During her tenure, tourism increased from 19 million to more than 22 million visitors, and tourism-related jobs have grown to more than 124,000 positions.

Von der Esch had been managing director of the tourism office since 2005. Before that, she served as director the Utah Film Commission from 1985 to 2005. She has also been the chief administrative officer for the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development, executive director for the Salt Lake City Council and legislative director for a U.S. congressman.

"Leigh’s efforts and those of her team have created a lasting legacy and have had a definitive impact in growing tourism throughout the state," said Spencer Eccles, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Earlier this month, the Governor’s Office announced that Herbert would be replacing Utah Department of Transportation Director John Njord, Department of Corrections Director Tom Patterson and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Lance Davenport.

His office also announced Insurance Commissioner Neal Gooch and Veterans Affairs Director Terry Schow would be retiring.

The changes were an effort to overhaul the governor’s 22-member Cabinet as Herbert enters his first full term as governor.

Von der Esch’s departure is expected to be the last personnel change for the near future, according to the Governor’s Office. Salt Lake Tribune

Snow, Publicity Boosting Utah’s Ski Industry

Fox 13 News

New Ads Invite Tourists to ‘Ski Utah Powder’

The Utah Office of Tourism launched their winter ad campaign on Wednesday, showing off some catchy slogans to try to lure tourists to Utah’s mountains this ski season. Fox 13 News

Utah’s Ski Industry Forecast: Big Rebound this Winter

"Pent up demand" was the phrase of the day Thursday when Ski Utah and representatives of most of the state’s 14 resorts formally kicked off the 2012-13 ski season with a news conference.

Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty was the first to use it, predicting Utah will bounce back this winter and entertain roughly 4.2 million skiers and snowboarders, people just itching to get back onto good snow after the disappointing winter of 2011-12.

Skier-day totals dropped last year to 3.8 million, the lowest since 2003-04, when snow arrived late, picked up for a while in mid-season, then dropped off again. "It was kind of a downer year," Rafferty understated.
The weather pattern hurt the whole U.S. ski industry, he noted, with Utah’s 10 percent drop from 2010-11 (second highest ever at 4.22 million) being less painful than the 16 percent decline nationally.

But after last weekend’s big storm, and with forecasts calling for more snow the weekend, Rafferty is ready to stop talking about how bad last year was and eager to be optimistic that November’s weather is a sign of what’s to come.

Rafferty also said he is not concerned that Utah’s uphill quest to compete with Colorado for skier visits might become more challenging now that Coloradoans have voted to legalize marijuana, reinforcing that state’s claim to be more fun apres-ski than stodgy Utah.

"That may do us more good than harm," he said, noting Utah resorts’ promotion of family ski vacations. "Our goal is never to be Vegas. We’re not after the Vegas crowd, but people who love skiing." Salt Lake Tribune

Great Wall Pact Will Promote Tourism between Utah and China

A 16-member delegation from the China Great Wall Society, 11 of whom are nationally known artists in that country, were in Utah on Thursday for the signing of a "memorandum of understanding" with the Division of Utah State Parks and Recreation.

The pact is part of an international exchange program that will create a sister relationship between the division, Antelope Island State Park and the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall.

Under that agreement, the state will encourage Utahns to visit the Great Wall while the China Great Wall Society will promote Utah and Antelope Island as destinations for Chinese travelers. Salt Lake Tribune

Ski industry’s challenge aims to draw beginners

The organizers of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month are expanding an initiative designed to get more beginners to the mountains.

The “Bring a Friend Challenge” is offering skiers and snowboarders a chance to win gear or ski trips if they get friends who have never gone skiing or riding to enroll in a lesson with a professional instructor between Dec. 17 and March 17.

People can register online. Weekly prize drawings are scheduled to begin in January.

Industry groups including SnowSports Industries America and the National Ski Areas Association are supporting the initiative. 

The industry is trying to keep interest in skiing up and their revenues healthy as video games, the Internet and other forms of entertainment compete for people’s free time and money. Standard Examiner

Tourism still bringing in big bucks to Utah

Despite the struggling economy, Utah's tourism industry is generating plenty of dollars for the state thanks in part to high interest from foreign travelers.

Last year, the Beehive State took in around $6.9 billion on total travel spending from an estimated 22 million visitors — a 6.1 percent jump in revenue over 2010, according to the Utah Office of Tourism.

Travelers generated $842 million in state and local taxes, the state tourism office said. In 2010, Utah hosted more than 20 million visitors who spent $6.5 billion.

Much of that increased spending came from hundreds of thousands of overseas visitors. Deseret News

U-Led Tourism Summit Brings Together Diverse Voices

In a state that is home to five national parks, what state tourism officials call “the greatest snow on earth”, a varied landscape of forests, deserts and stunning red rock country, the draw of tourists from around the globe is no surprise.

What may surprise is the significant impact of tourist dollars on Utah’s economy. According to the U.S. Travel Association, annual travel spending in Utah reaches $5.5 billion, supports 72,300 jobs in the state and provides $1 billion in tax revenue.

Those figures will form the backdrop to the Discover Utah 2012 Tourism Summit, scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Deer Valley Resort. It’s sponsored by the University of Utah’s Center for Public Policy and Administration and the Utah Intergovernmental Roundtable.

The summit will bring together leaders from government, business and the travel industry to discuss the critical role of tourism on the state’s economy, including a discussion focused on issues particular to rural Utah. In addition, the panel discussion “Getting to the Greatest Snow on Earth” will address transportation needs for the Wasatch Front to ensure a vibrant future for the state’s ski industry. Utah Policy

Despite tough economy, Utahns will hit the road for Labor Day

Utahns and other Mountain West residents are expected to hit the roads in large numbers during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, despite the sluggish economy and high gasoline prices.

AAA Utah is forecasting that more than 2.4 million Mountain West residents will travel 50 miles or more from their homes this coming three-day weekend, an increase of 3.2 percent compared with last year.
"While many Mountain West residents are still caught in fragile economic affairs, they will be traveling, but cutting back on other expenses," AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough said in a statement announcing the results of that organization’s Labor Day travel survey.

She said many of those surveyed expected to cut back on their shopping, take a shorter trip, travel by an alternative mode of transportation and stay with family and friends to avoid higher expenditures over the holiday weekend.

This year, as in the past, holiday trips by automobile are expected to be the preferred mode of transportation with more than 2 million Mountain West residents driving to reach their holiday destinations. That will be a 3.4 percent increase compared to 2011.

More than 200,000 Mountain West residents are planning to travel by air, an increase of 3.9 percent compared with last year. Another 200,000 are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as bus and rail, Fairclough said. Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Tourism Board Approves Cooperative Marketing Projects

Members of the Utah Board of Tourism Development have approved 28 of 43 Cooperative Marketing applications from non-profit tourism entities totaling about $1.4 million in funding to promote the state to out-of-state visitors. The Utah Office of Tourism received requests totaling $1.8 million. The program is now in its sixth year and eighth round of funding.

“This is not a grant program, but a partnership and a dollar for dollar match with all regions in Utah,” said Hans Fuegi, chairman of the Cooperative Marketing Committee. “We attribute our success in promoting and marketing the state of Utah by working cooperatively with our tourism industry statewide.” The Main Street Journal 

Travel.utah.gov Press release 

Tourism growth in Utah brings success to the state, satisfaction to the sojourner

Utah offers visitors a chance to live “life elevated” and witness some of the world’s most unique
locations. Tourism in Utah has increased over the past six years, and with all the diverse attractions, the
outlook is optimistic for further growth.

“Two words about Utah come to mind — landscapes and possibilities,” Karen Henker, lead interpreter at Arches National Park said. “There is a beauty from end to end on this state and you can also do so much. It’s not just for the scenic driving, but there’s just so much you can do.”

Utah is home to five national parks, countless state parks and historical sites which draw in visitors every year. From the geographic gems to the hallways of history, tourists have access to the vast expanse Utah offers.

The state’s tourism has increased over the past six years due to increased marketing and subsequent changed perceptions of the state. With more than 20.2 million tourists coming to Utah every year to visit the various attractions, the state benefits from the rise of tourism.

Jim Buchanan, research coordinator at the Utah Office of Tourism said tourism brings in approximately $842 million revenue for Utah every year. Since this money goes into the state general fund, it pays for roads and schools and decreases the tax dollars for Utah households. Tourism in Utah brought $1,012 in tax savings per Utah household last year.

Another advantage comes in the increase for employment opportunities. Total travel recreation employment reached 122,000 people last year, the vast majority of whom were Utah natives. TheUniverse

Faces in Places in Utah photography contest launched

The Utah Office of Tourism and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development have launched a photography contest to capture facial expressions of people as they experience Utah.

Open to professionals, amateurs, and students, the Faces in Places in Utah photography contest seeks to show visitors and citizens enjoying their experiences in Utah.

The contest also features a business category, highlighting the faces of Utahns in the workplace.

A panel of graphic designers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts will judge the photographs based on photographic quality as well as promotional appeal. Deseret News

Face of Utah Sculpture 8

Celebrating Utah’s Culture, Utah Sculpture Exhibition is presenting a variety of artistic styles and forms through sculpture expression and placing it into one exhibition titled, Face of Utah Sculpture 8. The exhibition, founded by Dan Cummings, features well known Utah sculptors as well as upcoming sculptors from around the state. The sculptors will display their best highlighted work that showcases contemporary and traditional styles with varieties of style, mediums, and forums. This all ages event will also include refreshments, live music, a cash bar, and an opening reception where you are able to meet and speak with the artists. This is a free event and will available for a short time. City Weekly

Utah Tourism Office Reaches Out to Travelers

As the Summer of 2012 begins, Utah’s Office of Tourism has already been busy with many marketing projects to bring even more travelers to our state from all over the world. The $2.2 million regional advertising campaign ending in June focused on promoting Utah’s state and national parks, as well as other summer attractions. Features included:

• The Utah Life Elevated TV campaign ran in the Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, and San Francisco markets.
• A tunnel wrap at the BART Montgomery St. Station in San Francisco created a stir in social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Digital outdoor ads were also seen in Los Angeles, Denver, and Las Vegas. Online digital display and social media advertising and promotion included: Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.
• The state recently launched its redesigned website, VisitUtah.com, in time for the summer vacation season, with direct links to travel guides foreign languages. Utah Pulse

Study: Rural Utah needs rec jobs more than urban areas

Utah’s rural counties rely on recreation and tourism to provide jobs and boost economies more than their urban and suburban counterparts.

So says a newly released report commissioned by the conservation group Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development and produced by Southwick Associates.

In fact, recreation and tourism account for 14.8 percent of the workforce in rural Utah. Only retail trade, at 18.4 percent, supplied more jobs in those counties.

By contrast, recreation and tourism in Utah’s urban/suburban counties make up 11 percent of the jobs, with manufacturing (11.3 percent), health care (11.8 percent) and retail (13.8 percent) providing more labor opportunities. Salt Lake Tribune

Fewer young adults visiting national parks

Recent reports say fewer young adults are visiting national parks. Tourism officials in Utah are trying to entice people of all ages to come visit the parks here.

An article from NBC News states the average age of a typical visitor to the country's national parks is going up. It says fewer people in their 20s have visited destinations like Yosemite or Yellowstone in the last few years.

The concern some officials have about seeing fewer young adults come to the parks is keeping funding relevant for future generations.

Utah Office of Tourism and Film Managing Director Leigh von der Esch said, "I think all of us who have national parks in our state are concerned about where the next stewards of the land are coming from." KSL

One-of-a-kind outdoor advertising highlights Utah's Delicate Arch

The Utah Office of Tourism kicked off its spring and summer advertising blitz with a unique ad showing Utah's Delicate Arch in a way it’s never been seen before.

It’s in an amazing 3D tunnel display that has the people who see it gawking with their mouths open, staring, pulling out their cellphones and taking photos.

It's located at the Montgomery & Market Street BART transit station in the heart of San Francisco's financial district. The 3D mural, about 104 feet long, will stay in place for two months and be seen by thousands of Bay area commuters. Deseret News