Travel & Tourism
The Gardner Institute produces leading travel and tourism research in Utah. We produce reports, profiles, research briefs, fact sheets, data sheets, and blogs on Utah’s visitor economy. Our research informs the Utah Office of Tourism, destination marketing organizations, policymakers, and the general public.
The Economic Contributions of Utah’s Ski Industry
Utah is home to 15 ski resorts, including the nation’s largest ski resort (Park City). Eleven of the state's resorts are less than an hour from Salt Lake International Airport
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2022
Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $7.7 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 32,737 Salt Lake County jobs in 2022.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2024
Utah’s travel and tourism industry maintains a positive trajectory despite challenges such as surging inflation, high gas prices, and U.S. recession fears.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, February 2024 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
Visitors spent a record $11.98 billion in Utah’s economy in 2022, generating 151,800 total jobs and a record $2.12 billion in total state and local tax revenue.
An Economic Summary of Utah’s Cultural Arts Industry, 2022
Utah’s cultural industry, including the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $14.9 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 69,820 Utah jobs in 2022.
Salt Lake City: Utah’s Thriving Urban Center
Salt Lake City is the foremost flourishing center for commerce, sports, entertainment, culture, and education in the Mountain West. Utah’s capital defies the trends of many urban centers as the forces of decentralization pull people, jobs, and commerce away from the urban core, resulting in urban decay. In the next decade, even as Utah’s capital city grapples with growth challenges, Salt Lake City will welcome thousands of new residents who will benefit from a new Temple Square, may secure a new professional sports franchise(s), will host a second Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will grow entertainment, cultural offerings, and[...]
Tourism Insight: The Hidden Health Benefits of Utah’s Natural Playground
Utah is often called “nature’s playground” due to its diverse range of terrain and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Each year, millions of people visit Utah’s parks and ski resorts to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities and, in the process, generate billions of dollars in economic impact. In addition to attracting visitor spending, Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities offer a host of hidden health benefits—something that became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Utah Travel and Tourism County Profiles, 2022
The Gardner Institute produces leading travel and tourism research in Utah. We produce reports, profiles, research briefs, fact sheets, data sheets, and blogs on Utah’s visitor economy. Our research informs the Utah Office of Tourism, destination marketing organizations, policymakers, and the general public.
An Economic Summary of Uintah County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Uintah County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $37.2 million in output (direct spending) in 2022. This $37.2 million directly supported an estimated 330 jobs and indirectly supported an additional 95 jobs in Uintah County.
An Economic Summary of Utah County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2022, Utah County’s cultural industry, including the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $2.20 billion in output (direct spending). This $2.20 billion in cultural in spending directly supported an estimated 15,008 Utah County jobs and indirectly supported an additional 10,059 jobs.