Tourism, Film and Global Branding

The Office of Tourism, Film and Global Branding plays an integral role in the success of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development by stimulating traveler spending and film production in Utah.

It was a remarkable year for the office. In 2018, direct traveler spending in Utah reached $9.75 billion — a 6.2% increase over 2017. This equates to a preliminary estimate of $13.4 billion in total traveler spending,* which provided $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. Income from tourism provided approximately $1,286 in tax relief for every household in Utah.

The Utah Film Commission supported in-state film productions, such as Good Joe Bell starring Mark Wahlberg, and high-profile television series including Yellowstone (Paramount) and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney). These productions inject the state economy with professional jobs and revenue, supporting local businesses in both urban and rural areas.

In addition to generating income for the state, the Utah Office of Tourism inspires positive perceptions of Utah by promoting the Life Elevated® brand through public relations, marketing campaigns, social media and online written and video content. In film, Utah locations are frequently featured on the big screen, television series and national television commercials. To date, more than 1,400 productions have been filmed in Utah, including iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Easy Rider and Forrest Gump, all celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2019.

Finally, as stewards of a healthy and sustainable tourism economy, the Utah Office of Tourism is advancing the Red Emerald Initiative, a strategic plan to grow Utah’s tourism industry while maintaining a high-quality experience for visitors and Utah residents.

*Total spending includes direct, indirect and induced spending.

Teams

Contact

Vicki Varela | Managing Director 801-538-1369 | vvarela@utah.gov