Utah Celebrates National Tourism Week

Salt Lake City – Governor Mike Leavitt has declared May 10-18, 2003, as Tourism Week in Utah. The declaration coincides with the 20^th annual National Tourism Week, which highlights the contributions of the travel and tourism industry to the U.S. economy.

The tourism industry employs more than 130,000 Utahns, nearly one out of every nine jobs. In 2002, the state was host to an estimated 17.5 million out-of-state visitors, with an economic impact of $4.15 billion in spending. These travelers provided $475 of tax relief per Utah household.

“The designation enables us to discuss the important role the industry plays in Utah,” says Nan Anderson, executive director of the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition (UTIC), the trade association for the tourism industry in the state. “We will continue to tell our story because of its economic benefit to each of Utah’s 29 counties.”

Utah tourism leaders are cautiously optimistic Utah will experience a healthy summer travel season, which is when a majority of travelers come to the state. “Even though global tourism has its challenges right now, Utah is well-positioned to attract some of the domestic travelers who are choosing to vacation closer to home this year,” explains Dean Reeder, director of the Utah Travel Council. “Utah is still experiencing the afterglow of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and many travelers perceive the state is a safe, affordable destination where families can relax and rejuvenate.”

Reeder says Utah offers travelers and tourists some of the most diverse cultural, historical, and outdoor adventures with its five national parks, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas, 41 state parks, 14 ski and summer resorts, beautiful cities, mountains, waterways, and deserts.

For information on planning your Utah vacation, visit www.utah.com or call the Utah Travel Council at (801) 538-1030 or toll free at (800) 200-1160.

###

back to press releases