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.
Insight: Visit Salt Lake & The Power of The Tourism Economy
By: Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2021
Utah’s travel and tourism industry has experienced a healthy post-pandemic recovery, yet continues to face a service industry labor shortage, stunted international visitation, and inflationary headwinds.
An Economic Summary of Utah’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2021, Utah’s cultural industry, which comprises the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $10.1 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 65,300 Utah jobs.
Insight: Strong Tourism Recovery Prompts Sustainable Travel Advocacy
By: Jennifer Leaver Jul 14, 2022 – The homepage of the Utah Office of Tourism’s website (travel.utah.gov) introduces visitors to its Red Emerald Strategic Plan. This unique-to-Utah gemstone—the red emerald—symbolizes the quality of a Utah visitor experience: rare, distinct, and highly coveted. But how does a state tourism office and its regional partners balance a quality visitor experience with increasing visitation? One strategy is to advocate for sustainable travel through visitor education. […]
Washington County Cultural Industry Snapshot, 2020
Washington County's arts, culture, and entertainment industry (cultural industry) is comprised of a variety of industries, including jobs in the areas of design, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, live events, museums, and traditional arts.
Salt Lake County Cultural Industry Snapshot, 2020
Salt Lake County's arts, culture, and entertainment industry cultural industry) is comprised of a variety of industries, including jobs in the areas of design, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, live events, museums, and traditional arts.
2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah: Estimated Economic and Fiscal Impact
The proposed 2030 Olympic Winter Games in Utah would make a significant economic impact.
Insight: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Addressing Utah’s Short Term Rental Market Growth
By: Jennifer Leaver Apr 19, 2022 – Short term rentals, available on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, have drawn both positive and negative attention over the past few years. Initially, short term rentals were lauded as income-generators that allowed local residents to rent out their personal spaces and properties to visitors. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, short term rentals were perceived by travelers as “safer” accommodation alternatives to hotels. However, short term rentals have generated controversy as neighborhood disruptors and key contributors to local and employee housing shortages. […]