utah tourism council

Why Utah's new tourism director says there are 'big things ahead' as the industry grows

By carter williams, ksl.com | posted - feb. 12, 2024 at 3:49 p.m..

Natalie Randall, new managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, center, speaks with Nancy Volmer, director of communication and marketing for the Salt Lake City International Airport, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's tourism industry reached unprecedented levels over the past decade under Vicki Varela, who most notably implemented the state's "Mighty 5" campaign promoting Utah's five national parks.

It was so successful the Utah Office of Tourism and Film had to make adjustments, creating a plan to advertise other outdoor attractions or ways to experience the parks at different times of the day or year so the state could spread out all of the rising visitation. Those efforts also seem to be paying off, as more people have now visited state parks than Utah's five national parks over three of the last four years.

Tourism in Utah "evolved significantly" under Varela, says Natalie Randall, who officially took over as the executive director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film on Monday, replacing Varela after she announced her retirement last month.

"She evolved the 'Forever Mighty' approach, which are all these pillars of how to build that perpetual visitor economy and an enduring visitor economy," Randall said. "And then, internally within the office, started building out a strategic plan that outlined those key pillars, such as being community-led, listening to the community, hearing what the needs are then building a powerful brand that can build community pride."

When adding other components like events, business conferences and other recreational activities, Utah's tourism industry reached a record $12 billion in economic impact in 2022 , per the University of Utah Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Researchers there are compiling 2023 data for a report to be released later this year, but the industry seems to be as strong as ever as Randall takes over.

Her goal is to build on Utah's successes moving forward.

Randall told KSL.com on Friday she believes it starts with understanding the "tricky balance" between the benefits and drawbacks of tourism, which can vary from community to community. But she's also thinking big, especially as Utah seeks to finalize its bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics .

"I think about where we're going to be in the next 10 years," she said. "We have some big things ahead of us and I hope as an industry we can continue to coalesce and unite. I think, as Utahns as well, we can work to build that pride around a power brand."

State of tourism now

Gardner Policy Institute researchers on Friday provided a small glimpse at 2023 tourism trends after a record 2022. They report transient room tax revenue — taxes collected from every hotel or short-term rental stay — is projected to increase by 5.2% between 2022 and 2023. In Salt Lake County's case, it rose by more than $2.2 million from 2022 based on the first 11 months of the year.

It also notes Utah's ski industry pulled in an estimated $2.64 billion in spending during the 2022-2023 ski season as people capitalized on the state's record snowfall. That's on top of the 22.6 million visits to state and national parks combined. Salt Lake City International and Provo airports also reported record passenger volumes in 2023.

Jennifer Leaver, a senior research analyst at the institute and the report's author, said Utah's travel and tourism industry remains on a "positive trajectory" despite challenges like inflation and recession fears.

"All key areas of Utah's tourism and hospitality sectors experienced positive performance over the past two years, including transient room tax revenue increases, employment growth, ski industry success, park visitation stability and a rebound in urban travel," she wrote.

The future of the tourism office

Randall is optimistic about where tourism is headed as she takes over the state's top tourism role.

She enters her new job after serving as the director of the Utah Tourism Industry Association and in a similar role for San Juan County. Those jobs helped her gain a better understanding of the tourism sector economy and first-hand experience of what it's like to live and work in a rural Utah community boosted by tourism.

Tourism impacts all parts of the state; however, it may be more important in rural communities. Private leisure and hospitality sector jobs accounted for about one in every five private jobs in San Juan County in 2022, according to the Gardner Policy Institute. The industry accounted for one-third to nearly half of all jobs at four of its five neighboring Utah counties.

The institute also notes rural counties have some of the highest transient room tax collection per household revenues in the state, helping alleviate some of the tax burden in those areas. But Randall said the power of tourism can go beyond, inspiring residents to stay and creating businesses to cater to both residents and tourists. That helps residents reinvest in their community.

"Tourism is really interesting because I think it's the lifeline for a lot of our rural counties throughout the state," she said. "We have amazing landscapes throughout our state and that happens to occur in a lot of those rural communities, so these communities are able to find ways to build on those natural assets that they have."

Randall said she plans to work on ways to ensure tourism isn't a "boom-and-bust" industry in rural Utah, working with communities to understand their needs and help them get the necessary resources to make sure the industry offers a healthy balance to a place's economy.

Her plans also involve finding ways to capitalize on the 2034 Winter Olympics, which would put a global spotlight on Utah for a second time.

She has the support of Utah leaders like Gov. Spencer Cox as she takes over. Cox said last month that he thinks Randall "has the vision and drive to take everything to the next level," which will help maintain the "quality of life for residents and visitors alike."

Meanwhile, Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, added that Randall was an easy choice to replace someone as impactful as Varela.

"Natalie's experience in destination marketing and management, along with her proven ability to navigate complex policy issues, makes her uniquely qualified to assume this role," Starks said in a statement last month. "She will also play a vital role on our executive leadership team to advance the nation's best economy and quality of life."

Related stories

'the outlook is optimistic': utah's tourism industry still buzzing after record $12b year, most recent utah travel and tourism stories.

• Delta to add new nonstop service connecting Salt Lake City to Asia

Lesser-known Utah site made this list of most beautiful places in the world

National park service reaffirms e-bike rule, giving individual parks freedom to regulate usage, related topics.

More stories you may be interested in

Utah 'agritainment' company designs corn mazes for family farms across US

Outdoor Retailer returns to old model, trimming back to 1 show per year

Department of Justice sues Visa, alleges the card issuer monopolizes debit card markets

Most viewed.

• Man found dead at Jordanelle State Park after possible road rage incident, police say
• Former BYU sprinter dies following mountain biking accident
• Salt Lake City, Intermountain near development agreement decision for old Sears block
• New judge sets expectations in case against man charged with killing 4 Idaho university students
• Serial sexual predator at center of KSL Investigation receives second prison sentence this month
• Maggie Smith, star of stage, film and 'Downton Abbey,' dies at 89
• UHP identifies 5 killed in crash between SUV, semitruck and ATV on US 6 near Price
• Woman assaulted while walking to car in Utah County parking lot
• Plane crashes into Utah Lake; 2 occupants 'submerged for an extended amount of time'

STAY IN THE KNOW

KSL Weather Forecast

• Tours & Guides
• Travel Tips Articles
• Free Travel Brochures
• Salt Lake City
• Campgrounds & RV Parks

This is Utah

You're welcome..

Perfect powder, rugged red rock, alpine lakes and more. If Utah doesn't have it, you don’t need it. More »

Utah Travel Tips

5-day national park itinerary.

Take a perfectly planned adventure through Utah's national parks, without doing a lick of planning.

Fall Time Getaway: Heber Valley Edition

Put on your fuzzy sweaters for a fall vacay in Heber Valley.

6 Adventures in the Uintas to Beat the Heat

Enjoy some alpine adventures in the Uintas this summer.

Why Not See It All? The Best Reasons to Book a Once-In-A-Lifetime Grand Circle T...

Looking for tours of Southwest national parks? A Grand Circle tour with Southwest Adventure Tours do...

Fireworks and 5Ks headline Fourth of July Festivities in Utah

Find the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in Utah, with fireworks and daylong activities.

The Best Affordable Family Vacation

We’ve got the deets to help you plan the best family vacation in Utah on a shoestring budget.

Our Favorite Flaming Gorge Campgrounds

Flaming Gorge is lit! This boating, camping and fishing location can’t be beat.

A Beginner’s Guide to Camping Gear

New to overnights in the outdoors? Get the right camping gear for your excursions.

Promotional Links

Ride bear lake's grand opening, laketown, ut.

Boats! Paddleboards! Polaris Slingshots! Come take a ride!

Jersey Boys

July 19 - october 19.

Jersey Boys goes PG? Still rocking the stage, family friendly style!

Travel to Utah for some of the most stunning scenery, iconic national parks, and the greatest snow on earth. Utah is home to world class ski resorts, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, off roading, and more. If you need a change of pace, then Utah is the place for you.

Know Where to Go

Views like this delivered to your inbox, popular activities.

BACK TO TOP

• Arts in Moab
• Arches National Park
• Arches Reservations
• Arches Webcams
• Canyonlands National Park
• Colorado River
• Dead Horse Point
• Dinosaur Museums + Hikes
• La Sal Mountains
• Movie Sites
• Night Skies
• Sand Flats Recreation Area
• Scenic Byway U-128
• Scenic Byway U-313
• Scenic Byways Overview
• Southern Utah National Parks
• Winter in Moab
• Accessible Adventures
• ATV/UTV Riding
• Bird Watching
• City Recreation
• E-Bike Guide to Moab
• Guides + Outfitters + Services
• Horseback Riding
• Motorcycle Road Touring
• Motorcycle Trail Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Photography
• River Activities
• Road Biking
• Rock Climbing + Canyoneering
• Scenic Flights
• Winter Activities
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Campgrounds
• Campgrounds - BLM
• Campgrounds - Commercial
• Campgrounds - National, State + Forest
• Guest Houses
• Hotels + Motels
• Property Management
• Accessibility
• Be Prepared
• Calendar of Events
• Do It Like A Local
• Free Travel Guide
• Fire Restrictions
• Group Tours
• Moab Canyon Pathway

Moab Outdoor Adventure Guide

• Nature's Masterpiece
• Pet Information
• Press and Media
• School Packet
• Sun/Moon Rise/Set
• Sustainable Tourism
• Grocery Stores
• Laundry Services
• Long Term Vehicle + Trailer Parking
• Moab Info Center
• Poop Disposal
• Restaurants + Caterers
• RV Fill/Dump Stations
• Shower Facilities
• Waste Disposal + Recycling
• Volunteer - Recycling
• 4WD Rentals
• Airline Service
• ATV/DirtBike/Motorcycle/RV Rentals
• Moab Area Transit
• Shuttle + Taxi Service
• Train Service
• Vehicle Rentals

• Search for:
• moab snapshot
• submit event

• Arts In Moab
• Dinosaur Museum + Hikes
• Scenic Byways
• Lodging + Campgrounds
• Area Info + Services
• ATV / Dirt Bike/ Motorcycle Rentals
• Shuttle & Taxi Service
• Arches Nat'l Park
• Canyonlands Nat'l Park
• Campgrounds - Intro
• Moab Snapshot
• Press and Media Resources
• Welcome to Moab 4K Film

Moab Information Center

• Restaurants

Experience Moab

Daily flights to moab.

For your next visit consider flying directly into Moab’s Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY).

Read more…

Upcoming events, scots on the rocks – moab celtic festival, moab folk festival.

Our Moab Outdoor Adventure Guide is available for free at the Moab Information Center (corner of Main & Center Streets in Moab). The eBook version is available for download by clicking below. This is the most comprehensive guide to activities available on the public lands surrounding Moab that we have ever published.

What’s New

• New Scheduled Jet Service to Phoenix – Contour Airlines begins scheduled jet service between Moab and Phoenix on February 1, 2024. Read more…

• Celebrate 100 Years of Cinematic History in Utah – Utah, a hidden gem among Hollywood’s real-world backlots, has unfurled its scenic beauty to filmmakers for a remarkable century. Read more…

• Discover the Magic of Moab in Winter! – With off-season rates making our hotels irresistibly affordable, and an array of retail shops and restaurants welcoming visitors year-round, there’s no better time to bask in the unique charm of Moab in winter. Read more…

• Bega Metzner Elected to Prestigious AFCI Board – Our local Film Commissioner is in the news! Read more…

• Arches Timed Entry Reservation System Announced for 2024 – Between April 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024 Arches National Park is implementing a Pilot Timed Entry Reservation System. Read more…

• Free Art Trails & Restaurant Pass – Discover Moab’s vibrant art and culinary scenes with our FREE Restaurant and Art Trails Pass. Unlock the best of Moab’s culture, savor exquisite cuisine, and earn prizes and exclusive discounts along the way! Learn more…

• Moab Area Transit – The Moab Area Transit (MAT) pilot program is a new, fare-free, transit service in the City of Moab. Read more…

Welcome to Moab

Welcome to Moab, Utah, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are just a part of the breathtaking red rock landscapes that surround this stunning destination. Combining small-town hospitality with unparalleled natural beauty and the cool waters of the Colorado River, Moab has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the American Southwest.

As you explore the unique scenery of Moab, take time to relax and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of this charming resort town. Thanks to its perfect climate, Moab attracts year-round outdoor events and festivals, while the downtown business district has responded with an array of restaurants, microbreweries, shops, and galleries. Whether you’re in the mood for regional southwestern cuisine or world-class gourmet fare, Moab’s diverse culinary scene is sure to satisfy any palate. And for those looking for a souvenir to remember their visit, the downtown shops offer a great selection of southwestern arts and jewelry, t-shirts, and much more to browse through at your leisure.

Recent Posts

View All Posts...

View All Events

Discover Nature’s Masterpiece

Moab’s iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, are just the beginning. Surrounding the town are diverse natural wonders—rivers, forests, and Bureau of Land Management land—all waiting to be explored. Even the smallest desert pothole in Moab is home to unique creatures vital to the ecosystem. Pause to reflect on the intricate balance of life during your exploration. Whether you’re a naturalist or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s always more to discover in Moab’s desert ecosystem. Immerse yourself in its wonders, taking a deep breath and appreciating Nature’s Masterpiece.

We invite you to check out our constantly expanding series of science and nature videos , which showcase the fragile beauty of Moab’s desert landscape and lesser-known experiences.

Moab Information Center 25 E Center St (Corner of Main and Center Streets) 7 Days/Week 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Once you arrive in Moab, your first stop should be the Moab Information Center (MIC). Conveniently located at the corner of Main and Center Street in Moab, the MIC offers information on recreational opportunities and visitor services throughout southeastern Utah. Allow some time for the interpretive displays and large gift shop featuring guide books, maps, videos, videos, postcards, and much more.

Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission

Become a part of southeastern Utah’s rich film history and choose this stunning location for your next project!

The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission holds the title of the longest running film commission in the world. Established 1949. We are here to facilitate whatever your production needs may be!

Utah’s competitive incentive program offers a fully refundable tax credit of up to 25% on in-state spend, which helps you cut production costs without sacrificing quality.

FILMMOAB.COM | 435-260-0097

For a more optimal web experience, please view our site on Microsoft's recommended browser, Edge. You can download it here .

• Plan Your Trip
• Traveling to Utah

Visitor Information Centers

Official utah state welcome centers, utah office of tourism welcome center & gift shop.

Historic Council Hall, 300 N. State Street, Salt Lake City (801) 538-1398, (801) 538-1900, (800) 200-1160

Jensen Welcome Center

Junction of US 40 & SR 149 (435) 789-4002  |  [email protected]

Thompson Welcome Center

I-70, Westbound, 2 miles east of Thompson Springs (435) 285-2234  |  [email protected]

St. George Welcome Center

Dixie Convention Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive (435) 673-4542  |  [email protected]

Visitor Resources Statewide

Bureau of land management.

440 W. 200 S., Suite 500, Salt Lake City, 84101 (801) 539-4001 ut.blm.gov

U.S. Forest Service

324 25th St., Ogden, 84401 (801) 625-5306   www.fs.fed.us

Utah State Parks & Recreation

1594 W. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, 84116 (801) 538-7220   www.stateparks.utah.gov

150 W. 500 S., Salt Lake City, 84101 (801) 534-1779 www.skiutah.com

Utah Hotel & Lodging Association

PO Box 1028, Kaysville, 84037 (801) 725-2879 www.uhla.org

Northern Utah

Bear lake convention & visitors bureau.

69 N. Paradise Parkway, Garden City, 84028 (435) 946-2197, (800) 448-2327 www.bearlake.org

Box Elder County Tourism 

1 S. Main St., Brigham City, 84302 (435) 734-3315 www.boxelder.org

Cache Valley Visitors Bureau/Explore Logan

199 N. Main St., Logan, 84321 (435) 755-1890, (800) 882-4433  |  [email protected] www.explorelogan.com

Discover Davis

61 S. Main St., Suite 304, Farmington, 84025 (801) 451-3237  |  [email protected] www.discoverdavis.com

Uintah County Travel & Tourism

152 E. 100 N., Vernal, 84078 (435) 781-6765, (800) 477-5558 www.dinoland.com

Duchesne County Travel & Tourism

50 E. 200 S., Roosevelt, 84066 (435) 722-4598  |  [email protected] www.duchesne.net

Heber Valley Tourism

475 N. Main St., Heber City, 84032 (435) 654-3666  |  [email protected] www.gohebervalley.com

Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 219, Manila, 84046 (435) 784-3218 ext 135  |  [email protected] www.flaminggorgecountry.com

Ogden/Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau

2438 Washington Blvd. Ogden, UT 84401 (801) 778-6250 www.visitogden.com

Park City Chamber/Bureau

1794 Olympic Parkway Blvd., Suite 150, Park City, UT 84098 (435) 658-9616, (435) 649-6100 www.visitparkcity.com

Visit Salt Lake

90 S. West Temple St., Salt Lake City, 84101 (801) 534-4900, (800) 541-4955 www.visitsaltlake.com

Explore Tooele

154 S. Main St., Tooele, 84074 (435) 882-0690, (800) 378-0690  |  [email protected] www.visittooelecounty.com

Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

220 W. Center St., Provo, 84601 (801) 851-2100, (800) 222-8824  |  [email protected] www.utahvalley.com

Central Utah

Beaver county travel council.

40 S. Main St., Beaver, 84713 (435) 438-5438, (866) 891-6655  |  [email protected] www.beavercountytravel.com

Castle Country Office of Tourism

81 N. 200 E., #2, Price, 84501 (435) 636-3701, (800) 842-0789  |  [email protected] www.castlecountry.com

Emery County Travel Bureau

75 E. Main St., PO Box 907, Castle Dale, 84513 (435) 381-2600, (888) 564-3600  |  [email protected] www.theswellutah.com

Juab County Travel Council

4 S. Main St., Nephi, 84648 (435) 623-5203, (800) 748-4361  | [email protected] juab.is

Millard County Tourism

PO Box 854, Delta, 84624 (435) 864-1400, (888) 463-8627  |  [email protected] www.millardcountytravel.com

Sanpete County Travel Council

191 N. Main St., PO Box 148, Manti, 84642 (435) 835-4321 www.sanpete.com

Sevier County Travel Council

250 N. Main St., Richfield, 84701 (435) 893-0458, (877) 473-8368  |  [email protected] www.visitsevier.com

Southern Utah

Visit cedar city & brian head tourism bureau.

581 N. Main St., Cedar City, 84721 (435) 586-5124 www.visitcedarcity.com

Garfield County Office of Tourism

55 S. Main St., Panguitch, 84759 (435) 676-1160, (800) 444-6689  |  [email protected] www.brycecanyoncountry.com

Kane County Office of Tourism

78 S. 100 E., Kanab, 84741 (435) 644-5033, (800) 733-5263  |  [email protected] www.visitsouthernutah.com

Piute County Tourism

550 N. Main St., Junction, 84740 (435) 577-2949 www.piutecounty.org

Greater Zion Visitor Center

20 N Main St. #105, St. George, 84770 (435) 634-5747, (800) 869-6635  |  [email protected] https://greaterzion.com

Wayne County Travel Council: Capitol Reef Country

Junction Hwy. 12/24, Torrey, 84775 (435) 425-3365, (800) 858-7951  |  [email protected] www.capitolreef.travel

Moab Area Travel Council

84 N. 100 E., Moab, 84532 (435) 259-1370 www.discovermoab.com

San Juan County Visitor Services: Utah’s Canyon Country

117 S. Main St., PO Box 490, Monticello, 84535 (435) 587-3235 ext 4139, (800) 574-4386 www.utahscanyoncountry.com

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

• GSTC Mission & Impacts
• GSTC History
• Market Access Program
• GSTC Board of Directors
• Assurance Panel
• Working Groups
• GSTC Sponsors
• GSTC Members
• Recruitment
• Contact GSTC
• GSTC For the Press
• Criteria Development & Revisions
• GSTC Early Adopter Programs
• Sustainable Tourism Glossary
• SDGs and GSTC Criteria
• GSTC Industry Criteria
• GSTC Destination Criteria
• GSTC MICE Criteria
• Criteria Translations
• GSTC-Recognized Standards for Hotels
• GSTC-Recognized Standards for Tour Operators
• GSTC-Recognized Standards for Destinations
• Recognition of Standards (for Standard Owners)
• GSTC-Committed
• Certification for Hotels
• Certification for Tour Operator
• Certification for Destination
• What is Certification? Accreditation? Recognition?
• GSTC Accreditation
• Accredited Certification Bodies
• Accreditation Documents
• CS-CB Framework
• Public Consultations
• GSTC Auditor Training
• Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP)
• Upcoming Courses
• Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
• Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel
• GSTC Trainers and Partners
• FAQs: GSTC Training Program
• Organization Membership Application
• Destination Membership Application
• Membership Policy
• Membership Categories & Fees
• Membership Payment Options
• Webinars for GSTC Members
• Members Log In
• Upcoming Webinars
• GSTC2024 Singapore, Nov 13-16
• Upcoming Conferences
• Past Conferences
• Destination Stewardship Report

Destination Assessment of Summit County, Utah

February 2022 – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) conducted a Destination Assessment of Summit County, Utah, from July to December 2021. The Destination Assessment was led by Dr. Kelly Bricker, GSTC Vice-Chair, working closely with the Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCCVB) and stakeholders throughout the County.

Summit County Tourism Overview

Today, Summit County has entered a new era of growth, particularly since it hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. In 2019, visitors directly spent an estimated $1.08 billion in Summit County, a 4.0% increase from 2018. The top three spending categories were lodging, food services, and recreation. Statewide, Summit County visitor spending made up 12.6% of total spending, and ranked 2nd in County Transient Room Tax Revenue, generating 11.4 million dollars (Salt Lake County ranked 1st at 21.1 million). Visitor spending directly supported 12,327 travel and tourism jobs in Summit County, a 3.2% increase from 2018. An estimated 95% of commercial tourism in Summit County occurs in Park City.

GSTC Destination Assessment of Summit County

The GSTC Destination Criteria covers four pillars of destination sustainability: destination policy and planning, community involvement and benefits, management of cultural assets, and management of environmental and natural resources. Dr. Kelly Bricker (the “GSTC Assessor”) conducted the evaluation of Summit County from July through December 2021. The PCCVB (on behalf of Summit County) coordinated logistics, with guidance from Dr. Bricker.

To evaluate the County’s performance against the GSTC Destination Criteria V2.0 , the GSTC reviewed legal and policy documents governing the County’s management and held one-on-one conversations and group interviews with 25 key stakeholders and representatives from the local government, private sector, NGOs, academia, and residential community. It also conducted a desktop review of over 300 documents. The PCCVB identified stakeholders, arranged stakeholder meetings and site visits, and collected policy documents in the areas covered by the GSTC Criteria. Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO of the PCCVB, served as the Destination Liaison throughout this assessment.

“Park City is energized by the GSTC destination assessment,” shares Jennifer Wesselhoff, President & CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our organization is using these insights to develop Utah’s first Sustainable Tourism Plan. The assessment will help us prioritize projects and resources that celebrate our accomplishments, fill gaps within our community and move us closer to our ultimate goal of certification. Park City will be the destination leader to watch as we strive to balance quality of life for our residents, maintain a thriving economy and protect our environment.”

Results and Key Takeaways

The findings from the GSTC Destination Assessment can inform future initiatives, and the strategic destination stewardship plan to ensure sustainable management of Summit County tourism. The GSTC applauds the PCCVB for their leadership in moving sustainable tourism forward in Utah.

The GSTC encourages Summit County to continue monitoring its progress, adopting the GSTC Criteria, and utilizing these assessment findings as a baseline on their sustainability journey. The assessment results identified areas in which Summit County is doing very well, as well as areas in need of improvement. To date, there has been much progress and recognition for the development of a Destination Stewardship Council or similar entity. This effort is being led by the PCCVB. The PCCVB has also retained the Coraggio Group to assist in the development of a sustainable tourism plan.

“We at GSTC commend Summit County for taking a systematic and holistic approach with a commitment to continuous improvement by using the GSTC Criteria and based on the good work already underway,” says GSTC CEO Randy Durband. “I got to know Summit County up close and personal in the 1980s and ‘90s and have a love and appreciation of the people and place, and pleased but not surprised with these developments.”

More information about GSTC Destination Assessment is available here .

GSTC Destination Assessment – Summit County 2022 Final Report

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts.

Keio Plaza Hotels is joining GSTC

Randy Durband, GSTC CEO in Transformational Travel Programme

Singapore’s Hotel Sustainability Roadmap

Travel Council

Have you ever hoped to find the perfect vacation destination, far from the crowds, and surrounded by amazing scenic splendor? Well Now You Have! Kane County, in Southern Utah, offers easier access to more National Parks and Monuments than any other place on earth.

Regions in the County are central to Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion Canyon National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell). Near the National Parks you will also find many State Parks and National Monuments, such as Kodachrome Basin State Park Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Pipe Spring National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With ninety-five percent of county lands administered by State and Federal Agencies, you'll never run out of things to do, or places to go. Drive roads less traveled, and find a place to call your own.

Contact the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism

Our office and Kane County, Utah Visitor Information Center is located on Hwy 89 in downtown Kanab ( see map ) 78 South 100 East, Kanab, Utah  ( directions ) Phone: 435.644.5033 Toll Free: 1-800-SEE-KANE (733-5263)

Visit the Office of Tourism website at  http://visitsouthernutah.com/

https://visitsouthernutah.com/

Phone: 1-800-SEE-KANE (733-5263)

Address: 78 South 100 East, Kanab, Utah 84741

Visit the Office of Tourism website  http://visitsouthernutah.com/

Department Links

Utah Office of Tourism Industry Site

• UOT Board & Committees
• Press Releases & Newsletters
• What is Forever Mighty?
• Forever Mighty Style Guide
• Forever Mighty Social Media Toolkit
• Forever Mighty Co-Op Marketing Program
• Forever Mighty Partnerships
• Forever Mighty Photo and Video Library
• Content Collaborations
• Paid Advertising and Product Sales
• Sponsorships and Collaborations
• Public Relations Collaborations
• Traditional Co-op Marketing Program
• Forever Mighty® Co-Op Marketing Program
• Partner Toolkits
• Destination Development Grants & Support
• Scenic Byways
• Statewide Tourism Partners
• Request A UOT Speaker
• Tourism Hall of Fame
• International Travel Trade
• Travel Trade
• International Trade And Media Hub
• Visit Utah In-Market Campaigns
• The Utah Brand
• Utah Tourism Industry Metrics

What's New

Responsible Visitation Messaging Survey

2024 Utah Tourism Conference Sept 24-27

2024 Co-operative Marketing Program Grants Announced

Partner Highlights

Designation of Scenic Byways

Zion National Park Oversized Vehicle Reroute

Utah tourism conference.

The 2023 annual Utah Tourism Conference will be held September 26-29, 2023, at the Dixie Convention Center, 1835 Convention Drive, St. George, 84790. More information to come here .

• Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Office of Tourism

801-538-1900

[email protected]

• visitutah.com
• Partner Newsletters
• Utah Merchandise
• Utah Film Commission
• Utah.gov Home
• Utah.gov Terms of Use
• Utah.gov Privacy Policy
• Utah.gov Accessibility Policy
• Translate Utah.gov