Findings show environmental assets (historic trails, viewpoints, proximity to national parks, and campsites specifically) are highly and significantly correlated with outdoor recreation and tourism demand.
New research from the Quinney College of Natural Resources and the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism calculates surplus emissions emitted from visitation to Yellowstone National Park each year.
In 2023, the Institute was able to work closely with the Outdoor Adventure Commission to develop Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan, which outlines four cardinal directions to guide the future of outdoor recreation within the state.
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.
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