LOCAL NEWS

Utah tourism industry bouncing back from pandemic setbacks

Dec 26, 2021, 9:08 AM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 4:47 pm

FILE - Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. (Photo by Harvey Meston/Getty Images)...

FILE - Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. (Photo by Harvey Meston/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harvey Meston/Getty Images)

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — As the world nears its third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is at least one industry that is bouncing back — Utah travel and tourism.

The Spectrum reports it’s one of the most profitable industries in the state, contributing $7.07 billion to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs last year.

A new report released by the Kem C. Gardener Policy Institute at the University of Utah says that Utah saw more visitor spending and more in-person trips compared to the rest of the U.S. as people ventured away from cities and toward outdoor destinations like the state’s five national parks.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A semi truck was on fire Saturday night, near Mile Marker 36 on Interstate 15. (Hurricane Valley F...

Alton Barnhart

Semituck on fire in Hurricane, fire crews say

A semitruck was on fire Saturday night, near Mile Marker 36 on Interstate 15. 

1 hour ago

An Ogden man was arrested Friday morning after an argument resulted in a physical altercation with ...

Alton Barnhart

Ogden man arrested in stabbing, police say

An Ogden man was arrested Friday morning after an argument resulted in a physical altercation with a knife, police say.

2 hours ago

West Valley City leaders approved plans paving the way for redevelopment of the Redwood Swap Meet s...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Redwood Swap Meet vendors out by Dec. 22 as redevelopment edges ahead

Vendors at the Redwood Swap Meet have to vacate the site by late December to make way for planned new housing.

4 hours ago

Sweet Hazel & Co. needs local support to raise funds in order to move locations. (KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Small business Sweet Hazel & Co. needs local support to stay afloat

People out doing holiday shopping this holiday weekend have a chance to boost Utah small businesses. It's part of Small Business Saturday, in which local leaders and business owners are hoping you keep your money in Utah.

16 hours ago

Courtroom And Gavel...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

Highland man sentenced to jail for causing 6-vehicle DUI crash in 2022

A Utah judge ordered a Highland man who caused a six-car crash on Timpanogos Highway while under the influence to spend 180 days in jail and three years on probation after he admitted to negligent driving.

16 hours ago

emergency lights...

Carlysle Price

Overnight nanny accused of shaking six-week-old baby

A family's overnight nanny is being accused of shaking their six-week-old baby when the child appeared to be behaving abnormally after being in the nanny's care.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

Choosing the Right Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: A Trusted Name in Utah’s Home Appliance Industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Utah tourism industry bouncing back from pandemic setbacks