State Office of Tourism awards $4.1M to local organizations
The Utah Board of Tourism Development has approved more than $4.1 million in cooperative marketing grants for 54 destination marketing organizations and travel-related nonprofits in 25 counties throughout the state.
The board said the goal of the co-op program is to leverage state and partner dollars to attract visitors and expand the tourism economy.
“The co-operative marketing program continues to be a strategic key investment from the Utah Office of Tourism, aimed at supporting local tourism initiatives and empowering communities to lead their visitor economies in alignment with local priorities,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film. “This initiative remains a central focus under our Red Emerald Strategic Plan, driving sustainable growth, diversifying Utah’s visitor economy and fostering collaboration across the state.”
The Utah Cooperative Marketing Program was established in 2005 and has since successfully funded 1,037 applications totaling $62.2 million to destination marketing organizations and travel-related nonprofits, extending the state’s brand to $120.3 million in out-of-state marketing dollars. The co-op fund fosters a partnership between the Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) and Utah’s local destination marketing organizations, including convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, events, festivals and regional tourism organizations.
“I am continually impressed by the creativity and drive of our applicants,” said Lesha Coltharp, chair of the UOT Co-op Marketing Committee. “I’m excited to see how our industry partners will bring these innovative, strategic ideas to life and how communities around Utah will benefit.”
Among this funding round’s recipients are the Kimball Arts Center’s new Park City home, Brian Head Town’s new mountain biking loop, and “Dinos in the Dark” nights at Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. The full list of grant recipients can be found on the Utah Office of Tourism website.