Page last updated: 4 November 2024
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 2023, over 678,750 international tourists visited Utah.1
- Utah attracted 777,130 international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 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).
How many people visited Utah in 2023?
- In 2023, Utah welcomed 15.3 million visitors, with 678,750 being international tourists and 14.6 million domestic travellers.
How much do tourists spend in Utah every year?
International tourists spent over $763.51 million during their trips to Utah in 2023.
- 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 visitors.
- In 2022, visitors spent $517.80 million in Utah. This increased to $763.51 million in 2023, exceeding 2019 expenditure by 14%.
How much do tourists spend in Utah in 2023?
- International tourists spend almost $763.58 million while exploring the wonders of Utah.
Which countries visit Utah the most?
In 2023, the leading sources of foreign tourists to Utah were from Canada, followed by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
- Canada was the top source of international visitors to Utah, accounting for 40% of the market share with a total of 271,140 visits. France also contributed 49,700 tourists.
- Germany accounted for 6% of the market share with 42,080 visits.
- The United Kingdom and Mexico made 36,650 and 36,640 visits, respectively.
Why do tourists visit Utah?
- The primary reason for tourists visiting Utah is to visit friends and family, accounting for 35% of total visitors.
- This is followed by outdoor recreation at 24% and entertainment/sightseeing at 14%.
How long do visitors stay in Utah?
- Domestic tourists spent an average of 3.1 nights visiting Utah in 2023.
Economic Impact – Utah Tourism Statistics
- The Utah tourism industry generated 98,600 direct jobs in 2022, with an additional 53,200 jobs supported indirectly through tourism-related economic activity.
- Both domestic and international visitor spending resulted in approximately $2.12 billion in total tax revenue for the state, including about $1.09 billion in state taxes and $1.03 billion in local taxes in 2022.
Utah Travel Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
In 2023, domestic travellers accounted for 14.6 million tourists, making up 99% of the total visitors while international tourists amounted to 678,750.
- 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 15.2 million, respectively.
How popular is Utah as a tourist destination?
- In 2023, Utah was ranked 1st as the “Best State Overall” in the USA as reported by US News.
- Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks attracted approximately 10.6 million visitors in 2023.
- Glen Canyon emerged as one of the most visited sites in Utah, drawing 5.2 million visitors.
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.
US Travel Statistics Resources
- United States Statistics
- California Statistics
- Chicago Statistics
- Denver Statistics
- Florida Statistics
- Georgia Statistics
- Hawaii Statistics
- Las Vegas Statistics
- Louisiana Statistics
- Massachusetts Statistics
- Miami Statistics
- New York Statistics
- Orlando Statistics
- San Francisco Statistics
- Tennessee Statistics
- Texas Statistics
- Utah Statistics
- Washington Statistics
