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.

1709, 2020

The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, September 2020 (Tri-Fold Brochure)

September 17th, 2020|

In 2019, travelers and tourists spent a record $10.06 billion in Utah. Nonresident visitors spent $8.62 billion of that, with the largest shares spent on transportation (including gasoline purchases, car rentals, transportation fares, and parking), lodging, and dining. Additional nonresident visitor purchases included retail and groceries, as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation–related activities.

1411, 2019

The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018

November 14th, 2019|

Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry provides jobs and income for Utah residents and contributes state and local tax revenue. Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets draw domestic and international visitors year-round. Since 2014, visitor spending in Utah’s economy increased by an average 3.4% annually when adjusted for inflation. In 2018, travelers directly spent a record $9.75 billion in Utah, generating an estimated 136,000 total Utah jobs, and $1.28 billion in state and local tax revenue. Utah’s national parks, state parks, and ski resorts experienced record visitation in 2018 as well.

1809, 2019

The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, September 2019 (Tri-Fold Brochure)

September 18th, 2019|

In 2018, travelers and tourists spent a record $9.75 billion in Utah. Nonresident visitors spent $8.38 billion of that total, with the largest shares spent on transportation (including gasoline purchases, car rentals, transportation fares, parking), lodging, and dining. Additional nonresident visitor purchases included retail items and groceries, as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation-related activities.

1907, 2018

Utah Travel and Tourism Profile: State and Counties 2016-2017

July 19th, 2018|

The State of Utah had an 11.9 percent leisure and hospitality share of total private jobs in 2017, ranking 36th among all states. Utah has a diverse travel and tourism industry, which generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international visitors are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are within one hour of Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, 11 national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site and 43 state parks. Throughout the [...]

907, 2018

Utah Outdoor Partners Survey of Businesses, 2018

July 9th, 2018|

Utah is currently experiencing a period of dynamic economic growth. Executives from 50 of the fastest growing companies in Utah were interviewed to determine the influence Utah's outdoor recreational opportunities have on location decisions, employee recruitment and retention, and the overall desirability of doing business in the state.

1306, 2018

The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018

June 13th, 2018|

Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for state and local governments. Domestic and international visitors are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, 11 national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site, and 43 state parks. Throughout the year, Utah hosts several arts events, such as the Moab Music Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Tuacahn Theater Series, Utah Arts Festival, Utah Festival [...]

2702, 2018

Policy Brief: Utah’s Olympic Economic Legacy, 2018

February 27th, 2018|

The 2002 Olympic Winter Games enlarged the Utah economy and left a lasting economic legacy. This legacy continues to grow and change as the Utah economy matures in each subsequent year since the Games.

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