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 State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international travelers and tourists 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, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site and 43 state parks.
Utah’s Film & Digital Entertainment Industry, 2016
In 2015, the Utah Film Commission enlisted the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah to conduct a baseline assessment of Utah’s film and digital entertainment industry.
Insight: Centennial Year Inspires National Park Visitation in 2016
By: Jennifer Leaver, M.A. A few months ago, I had the privilege to attend an event called “Your Park After Dark,” held at Salt Lake’s Clark Planetarium. This event, co-hosted by the National Park Service and the Utah Office of Tourism, included mouth-watering food, sweet local tunes, and a premier screening of the new IMAX 3D film, “National Parks Adventure.” […]
Insight: State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry
By: Juliette Tennert, M.A. Our annual State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry report is now available. The report details the important role that this industry plays in Utah’s economy. […]
Insight: 2015 Utah Tourism Conference Attracts Record Attendance
By: Jennifer Leaver In keeping with recent record-setting trends in Utah’s tourism sector, the 2015 Utah Tourism Conference sold out for the first time to record attendance. Though holding the early October conference at the entrance to breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park – and offering hikes, horseback rides, canyoneering, and star-viewing opportunities to conference attendees – certainly didn’t hurt! […]
Insight: Outdoor Retailers
By: Juliette Tennert, MS It’s been close to two years since I’ve eaten sushi. My daughter was born last October so I abstained while I was pregnant and it’s been hard to find time for a leisurely evening out ever since. Finally, early last month, the stars aligned when my husband and I were able to schedule a night out at Takashi, our favorite restaurant. As any SLC sushi aficionado knows, Takashi doesn’t take reservations for small parties. You show up, get on the list and wait. As the same aficionado will also know, however, the wait is always worth[...]