Utah Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 5 November 2025

Utah, known for its national parks, red rock landscapes, and ski resorts, offers visitors a range of natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

How many people visit Utah each year?

In 2024, over 717,320 international tourists visited Utah.¹

• Utah attracted 777,130 international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped approximately 72% to 216,300.

• By 2021, international tourism declined further, reaching 142,850 visitors.

• International tourist numbers rose in 2022 with 504,580 visitors, and in 2023, the figure climbed to 678,750, though this was still 12% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

• International tourist volume further increased to 717,320 in 2024. While this figure represented a 5.7% increase from the previous year, it still remained 7.7% below the pre-pandemic level of 2019.

How many people visited Utah in 2024?

• Utah welcomed 13.7 million visitors, with 717,320 being international tourists and 13 million domestic travellers.

How much do tourists spend in Utah every year?

International tourists spent over $927.52 million during their trips to Utah in 2024.

• In 2019, international tourists in Utah generated $668.79 million. However, tourist expenditure decreased in 2020 to $141.35 million due to the pandemic.

• International tourist spending declined further in 2021 to $117.32 million.

• In 2022, visitors spent $517.80 million in Utah. This increased to $776.42 million in 2023, exceeding 2019 expenditure by 16.1%.

• International spending further increased by 19.5% to $927.52 million in 2024. This figure also represented a 38.7% increase from pre-pandemic year (2019).

How much did tourists spend in Utah in 2024?

• International tourists spend almost $927.52 million while exploring the wonders of Utah. 
• This represented a 19.5% increase from the previous year and a 38.7% increase over pre-pandemic level of 2019.

How much does it cost to visit Utah?

• Visitors to Utah spent approximately $1,022 per trip in 2024, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, shopping, and recreational activities while exploring Utah’s attractions.

• This representing a notable increase from $794 in 2023.

• Transportation made up the majority of their spending, at 38%, followed by lodging at 27%, food/beverage at 14%.

Which countries visit Utah the most?

In 2024, the leading sources of foreign tourists to Utah were from Canada, followed by France, Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

• Canada was the top source of international visitors to Utah, accounting for 37% of the market share with a total of 267,530 visits. France also contributed 51,880 tourists.

• Germany accounted for 6% of the market share with 45,280 visits. 

• Mexico and the United Kingdom made 41,870 and 38,200 visits, respectively. 

Who visits Utah?

Most of the Utah Visitors are over 55 years old.

• In 2024, the average age of Utah visitors was 45.1 years.

• In 2024, visitors over 55 years old constituted the largest group, making up 30% of total visitors. 

• The 25-34 age bracket followed as the second largest, accounting for 23%. 

• The 45-54 age bracket represented 20% of visitors, while those aged 35-44 made up 18%.

• The smallest proportion of visitors was from the 18-24 age bracket, at 9%.

Why do tourists visit Utah?

• The primary reason for tourists visiting Utah is to visit friends and family, accounting for 38% of total visitors in 2024.

• This is followed by outdoor recreation at 18% and entertainment/sightseeing at 12%.

How long do visitors stay in Utah?

• Tourists spent an average of 3.7 nights visiting Utah in 2024, an increase from 3.1 nights in 2023.
  

Utah & USA Travel Resources

When is the best time to visit Utah?

The best time to visit Utah is generally from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is mild, skies are clear, and outdoor conditions are ideal for exploring national parks and scenic landscapes.

• Spring (April–June) offers comfortable temperatures, blooming desert wildflowers, and excellent hiking and sightseeing opportunities in places like Zion and Arches National Parks.
  
• Fall (September–October) provides pleasant weather, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds, making it a great time for outdoor adventures.
  
• Summer (July–August) can be hot, especially in southern Utah, but is popular for mountain destinations and festivals.
  
• Winter (December–March) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in northern areas such as Park City and Salt Lake City.

Economic Impact  – Utah Tourism Statistics 2024

• Tourism in Utah generated $13.3 billion in visitor spending in 2024.

• The Utah tourism industry generated 164,600 direct jobs in 2024.

• Both domestic and international visitor spending resulted in approximately $2.5 billion in total tax revenue for the state in 2024.

Utah Travel Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism

In 2024, domestic travellers accounted for 13 million tourists, making up 95% of the total visitors while international tourists amounted to 717,320. 

• In 2019, Utah welcomed a combined total of 21.77 million international and domestic tourists. 

• However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, visitor numbers dropped significantly to 17.1 million.

• In 2021, Utah received a total of 17.9 million tourists, despite the emergence of a new COVID variant. Domestic tourism rebounded with 17.8 million visitors, while international tourism remained low, with only 142,850 tourists.

• In 2022 and 2023, both domestic and international tourists totalled 15.1 million and 15.3 million, respectively. 

• Total visitor volume decreased by 10.5% to 13.7 million in 2024.

How popular is Utah as a tourist destination?

Utah has earned significant recognition as a top‐tier tourist destination through a variety of awards and rankings:

• The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame, established in 1985, continues to honor individuals who have greatly contributed to the state’s tourism industry through leadership, marketing, and destination stewardship.

• In the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Utah resorts, particularly those in the Park City region, were ranked among the top destinations in the United States for exceptional guest satisfaction and resort experiences.

• Utah was recognized as the #1 State in the U.S. in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best States Rankings, highlighting its strong infrastructure, economy, outdoor amenities, and overall destination appeal.

• The state earned a prestigious Three-Star Rating from the Michelin Green Guide, a rare accolade that recognizes excellence in visitor experience and sustainability, especially for Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks.

• Moab was named the Friendliest City in the U.S. in a national travelers’ survey, reinforcing Utah’s reputation for warm hospitality and welcoming tourism environments.

These awards and recognitions showcase Utah’s outstanding combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and world-class hospitality, solidifying its position as one of America’s most celebrated travel destinations.

Utah Attractions

• National Parks: The Mighty 5 (Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef) plus Glen Canyon for Lake Powell activities.
  
• Outdoor Adventures: Skiing at Park City, hiking and biking across scenic trails.
  
• Urban Highlights: Salt Lake City’s Temple Square, Hogle Zoo, Red Butte Garden; Park City’s ski resorts and Sundance Festival.
  
• Unique Experiences: Olympic Park activities, local festivals, and pioneer history at This is the Place Heritage Park.
  
• Family Fun: Lagoon Amusement Park, Seven Peaks Waterpark.
  
• Shopping & Dining: Salt Lake’s City Creek Center, local Utah cuisine.

USA Travel Statistics Resources

• Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
• California Statistics (incl. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood)
• Florida Statistics (incl. Destin, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World)
• Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
• Illinois Statistics (incl. Chicago)
• Louisiana Statistics (incl. New Orleans)
• Massachusetts Statistics (incl. Boston)
• Nevada Statistics (incl. Las Vegas)
• New York Statistics (incl. New York City, Statue of Liberty)
• South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
• Tennessee Statistics (incl. Memphis, Nashville)
• Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
• Washington Statistics (incl. Seattle)
• Yellowstone National Park Statistics

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References

1.  TUG: Tourism Key Figures and Statistics ↩︎