Utah Office of Tourism awards $4.7 million to local tourism organizations

The Utah Board of Tourism Development has approved more than $4.7 million in cooperative marketing grants for 47 destination marketing organizations and travel-related nonprofits in 26 counties throughout the state. The goal of the co-op program is to leverage state and partner dollars to attract visitors and expand the tourism economy, the board said.

“The co-operative marketing program is a direct investment the Office of Tourism makes to support tourism initiatives at the local level,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film. “This enables communities to lead their visitor economies consistent with local priorities. This is a priority under our Red Emerald Strategic Plan.”

The Utah Cooperative Marketing Program was established in 2005 and has since successfully funded 983 applications totaling $58.1 million to destination marketing organizations and travel-related nonprofits, extending the state’s brand to $116.2 million in out-of-state marketing dollars. The co-op fund creates 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 to increase visitor spending in the state through marketing.

“Once again, I was left inspired by the optimism and ingenuity of our applicants,” said Kym Buttschardt, UOT Cooperative Marketing Committee chair. “The awards were well-deserved. Our industry partners will execute thoughtful, creative plans to create even more unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”