Who We Are

The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University (USU) is at the forefront of research, innovation, and applied solutions for sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism. As part of Utah’s only land-grant, R1 research university, the Institute plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and tourism policy, contributing to Utah’s position as a national leader in innovation and economic development.

Founded in the late 1960s, USU’s Recreation Resource Management program was the nation’s first academic program dedicated to studying outdoor recreation resources. Shortly thereafter, faculty established the Institute to provide data-driven insights, technical assistance, and workforce training to public land managers and community leaders throughout the Intermountain West. In 1998, the Utah Legislature formally recognized the Institute through the Recreation and Tourism Research and Extension Program Act (S.B. 35), reinforcing its mandate to:

Advance research on tourism and outdoor recreation’s economic, social, and environmental impacts;
Support public land managers in balancing access, conservation, and community needs;
Provide data-driven insights to policymakers at the municipal, state, and federal levels.

Today, the Institute remains a cornerstone of USU’s research mission, aligning with Utah’s broader vision to drive innovation, develop talent pipelines, and enhance economic resilience. Our interdisciplinary research informs decision-making at all levels, ensuring that Utah’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

By combining cutting-edge research with hands-on engagement, we prepare the next generation of leaders to address complex challenges in land management, tourism development, and outdoor recreation planning. Just as Utah’s universities have been central to breakthroughs in technology, healthcare, and national security, the Institute ensures that outdoor recreation and tourism remain critical drivers of economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.

Through continued investment in research, workforce development, and innovation, we are helping Utah position itself as a global leader in sustainable outdoor recreation—where communities, industries, and public lands thrive together.