Keeping National Parks Open Amid Uncertainty
Utah’s decision to keep parks open during a pending shutdown underscores the economic importance of reliable park access and the role of partnerships in building gateway community resilience.
Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
News & Highlights
Robert Redford’s Legacy on Utah’s Cultural Tourism
Robert Redford’s passing highlights the deep ties between film, culture, and Utah’s tourism economy, with lessons for policy, practice, and place stewardship.
Tourism Grants as Tools for Community Identity in Utah
Utah’s cooperative tourism grants help rural counties align visitor marketing with resident needs, promoting stewardship, resilience, and balanced growth.
Retained Anglers Key to Utah’s Fishing Future
New research highlights how veteran anglers boost participation and support Utah’s economy.
Check out our new course!
Understanding and Managing Short-Term Rentals
Built on dozens of interviews with community leaders and a deep dive into policies across the West, this course provides the tools to engage your community, evaluate your options, and tailor solutions that work.
About the Institute
Our purpose is to provide accurate, research-based information about tourism and outdoor recreation issues to the Utah State Legislature and state agencies. We provide data and expertise to help communities balance the economic, social, and environmental tradeoffs of tourism development. We use an interdisciplinary approach, with research and analysis on outdoor recreation and tourism, a complex sector of the state's economy.
Learn More