Outdoor recreation contributes more than $6.4B to the economy, employs more than 83,000 people and is the primary driver behind the tourism industry. Not only does Utah outdoor recreation create $737 million in state and local tax revenues, it is the reason for $3.2B in wages and salaries. In 2013, recognizing the significant contribution of outdoor products and recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, Gov. Gary Herbert created the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation — the first such office in the nation.
Our office aims to establish a nationwide recreation management standard, and ensure that the state’s natural assets can sustain economic growth for years to come. The private sector is a key partner in Utah’s success, and our state is committed to responsibly partnering with the business community.
Stay up to date on Utah’s outdoor community. Check out past issues of our newsletter, which keeps you up to date on Utah’s outdoor community, industry, events, jobs, stewardship opportunities, and more.
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Outdoor recreation is more popular than ever (yay!) but more people can equal more poop – and that’s a problem. In this event, will learn why this is a problem, communication strategies currently in use (such as Gotta Go Utah), and takeaways to implement in your community.
This Summit Speaker Series’ experts are:
Your online channels are now the front door to your brand or business. Kristin will walk through the consumer decision journey for consumers today and how you can rise above the noise to grow your online community.
This Summit Speaker Series expert is:
The spread of COVID-19 throughout Utah has dramatically altered how the state’s residents, as well as visitors, participate in outdoor recreation. This panel discussion provides insights into how outdoor recreation participation within the state has changed throughout the pandemic. We bring together perspectives from a municipal park and trail system, Utah State Parks, and university researchers looking into visitation patterns and behaviors in Arches National Park. The discussion will focus on: (1) How the amount and type of outdoor recreation within the state has changed as a result of the pandemic; (2) What outdoor recreation planners and managers have done to respond to these changes; and (3) The unintended consequences of early policy and planning decisions (e.g., regional or county-wide visitation restrictions, facility closures, etc.).
