Visitors spent a record $11.98 billion in Utah in 2022, generating 98,600 direct travel-related jobs and $1.37 billion in direct state and local tax revenue, according to the latest annual industry report released by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The report notes that overall, state visitation and other tourism-related economic indicators remained strong despite surging inflation, high gas prices and fears of a possible recession.
“Utah’s travel and tourism industry is a key contributor to the state’s economy, fostering job creation, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue,” said Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst for the Gardner Institute. “Visitor spending, tax and hotel revenue, airport travel, park visitation and skier days have all surpassed or nearly surpassed previous records, which all help boost Utah’s elite economy and sustain the economic vitality of the region.”
The record $11.98 billion that visitors spent in 2022 led to $23.38 billion in total output for Utah’s economy when combined with indirect and induced effects, the report said. In addition to the 98,600 direct jobs generated, the industry’s economic activity supported an additional 53,200 jobs through indirect and induced effects. About 9 percent of Utah’s total jobs were either directly or indirectly supported by visitor spending.
Year-over-year transient room tax revenue increased an estimated 5.2 percent in 2023. Year-over hotel occupancy remained flat while hotel capacity increased 2.3 percent, the report found. Average daily hotel room rates and revenue per available room were up 3.9 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.
Utah’s "Mighty 5" national parks reported 10.6 million visitors and state parks reported a record 12 million visitors in 2023. In addition, Utah’s national places, including monuments, recreation areas and historic sites, reported a record 7.3 million visitors in 2023. Utah’s year-over national park and state park visitation were up 1.2 percent and 20.7 percent, respectively.
Utah also boasted record snowfall of 903 inches, record skier days (7.1 million) and record ski industry spending ($2.64 billion) during the 2022-23 ski season.
“Our industry is committed to building a perpetual visitor economy, uplifting businesses and communities,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “Tourism represents the pride we have in our state from our distinctive landscapes to our unique offerings. We are optimistic that as we continue to prioritize quality visitation and community-led vision, we can continue to inspire visitors and residents alike.”
The full report can be accessed at the Gardner Institute website.