Layton, UT — The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) and the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA) honored the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame inductees at the Utah Tourism Conference in Davis County.

The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients are selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through leadership and long-standing contributions to their region or to the entire state. This year’s inductees include recently retired UOT Managing Director Vicki Varela, Visit Salt Lake CEO Kaitlin Eskelson, political consultant Des Barker and Temple Square Hospitality legend Neil Wilkinson.

“This year’s group of Hall of Fame inductees have left their mark on Utah and earned our industry’s deepest gratitude and appreciation,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “All Utahans have benefitted from their dedication to elevating the visitor economy.”

Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 131 recipients who have contributed toward improving the national/international recognition of the positive aspects of vacationing in Utah, improved the understanding of Utah residents regarding the attractions of their state and the economic development benefits of tourism for the state, and facilitated efforts of improving the business climate for tourism-related businesses in Utah.

“The Utahns who make a living in our industry can often credit a mentor for helping them get to where they are now. All four of these inductees have greatly enhanced the careers and lives of many in our state,” said UTIA Executive Director Celina Sinclair. “Vicki, Kaitlin, Des and Neil are all legendary figures in the local tourism world and an inspiration to the current and future generations of tourism leaders.”

More on the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Recipients: 

Vicki Varela, Former Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism

When she retired from her position as Managing Director of the Utah Office of Tourism last February, Varela left as one of the office’s most recognized leaders. Her 11-year tenure at the helm of the state’s tourism efforts has been called the most prosperous in UOT’s history. 

Varela’s accomplishments include:

• Launching the Mighty Five® campaign, elevating Utah’s global brand presence
• Establishing the Red Emerald Strategic Plan to create and protect Utah travel experiences that are distinctive, unique to Utah and highly coveted
• Encouraging responsible recreation by visitors and residents with the Forever Mighty campaign
• Keeping Utah’s National Parks open during multiple federal government shutdowns
• Leading a faster rebound from the negative impacts of COVID-19 than competing states
• In 2016, was named US Travel’s State Tourism Director of the Year
• In 2022, was honored as the Salt Lake Chamber’s ATHENA Award recipient

Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake

Kaitlin Eskelson has been very busy since becoming Visit Salt Lake’s President & CEO in 2020. From involvement with expansions at the SLC International Airport, the National Hockey League’s arrival in Utah, to the 2034 Winter Olympics Announcement, Eskelson has been very much in the mix for Salt Lake’s dynamic tourism scene. Under her leadership, Salt Lake County has enjoyed a seven-fold increase in overnight room bookings, generating millions of dollars in Utah’s economy. Launching Sports Salt Lake, creating transit solutions for the Cottonwood Canyons and bringing back the Outdoor Retailer trade shows to the Salt Palace; all just a few major accomplishments Eskelson has added to her resume.

Des Barker, longtime political consultant, former Development Director, Park City Chamber

Des Barker, a longstanding and well-known political consultant, is a frequent face on Utah’s Capitol Hill. In addition to running his own consulting business, Barker spent years working in public service and education. He was formerly the Business and Economic Development Director for the Park City Chamber and also served on the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science board. In the local tourism space, Barker has made his mark in ways that many do not see. The Tourism Works Political Action Committee, the Tourism Marketing Performance Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund are all products of Barker’s work as a political advocate for the Utahns who depend on tourism.

Neil Wilkinson, Former Director of Marketing, Hospitality, Temple Square

For over 25 years, Wilkinson was as much a part of the Temple Square experience as the dinner rolls at The Lion House. As both the Director of Marketing and later the Director of Hospitality at Temple Square, Neil served an integral role in creating memorable moments for the many visitors who made a trip to one of Utah’s most popular attractions. Wilkinson also made an impact among his peers. A long list of tourism officials and leaders credit Wilkinson as a valuable mentor, particularly during his time as the President of the Utah Tourism Industry Association’s Board of Directors.

About Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA): The Utah Tourism Industry Association, formally the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition, started over 12 years ago and serves as the umbrella organization and advocate for Utah’s visitor economy. As a 501c6 nonprofit organization, UTIA strives to deliver exceptional value to its members ranging from a variety of tourism sectors. Offered are various member-driven public policy initiatives, business networking opportunities, marketing programs and educational offerings all to help members and the tourism industry succeed today and in the future. UTIA has been long-recognized as the tourism industry’s home base for education, advocacy and networking. UTIA makes it so “Tourism Works.” Learn more at utahtourism.org

About the Utah Office of Tourism (UOT): The Utah Office of Tourism’s (UOT) mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship and development. Marketing: UOT curates messaging that inspires visitation, supports local businesses and builds the Utah economy. Stewardship: UOT manages visitation statewide and supports the responsible discovery of Utah. Development: UOT partners with local communities to enhance and develop their visitor economies to benefit residents and visitors. Learn more at visitutah.com and travel.utah.gov

In a highly anticipated Week 5 college football matchup, the Arizona Wildcats will take on the No. 10 Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The Utes enter the game as 12.5-point favorites, riding momentum from a narrow 22-19 win over Oklahoma State in Week 4. Utah’s mobile quarterback Isaac Wilson and their powerful running game, led by Micah Bernard, are expected to dominate against an Arizona defense that has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. The Utes are projected to surpass 200 yards on the ground, and their offensive prowess should lead to multiple touchdowns, possibly five or more, as they aim for a decisive win.

This game carries a particular sense of revenge for Utah, as Arizona not only defeated them last season, but also ran up the score with a controversial touchdown in the final seconds of the game. The Utes are a proud team, and that bitter memory will likely fuel their desire to overpower the Wildcats on their home turf.

Arizona, coming off a 31-7 loss to Kansas State in Week 3, had a bye week to recover. Freshman quarterback Noah Fifita has shown potential, while wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a standout player with NFL potential. However, Arizona’s offensive line has underperformed, which could be a significant issue against Utah’s deeper and stronger roster.

Utah’s Brant Kuithe throws shade at OSU fans after big win: “It wasn’t loud at all”

With the Utes holding a 26-20-2 advantage in the all-time series, and the over/under set at 50.5 points, fans are expecting an exciting game where Utah looks poised to bounce back and assert dominance over Arizona.

Saturday, Sept 28

No. 10 Utah vs. Arizona

Kickoff: 10:15 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN (Available on FuboTV)

PROVO — Utah County wants to raise taxes by 48%, and leaders are trying to show taxpayers exactly where that money would go.

At an open house in Provo Thursday evening, representatives from various county services shared with residents what the property tax increase – which amounts to about $8 a month on a typical home – would pay for.

“Primary public safety,” said Ezra Nair, Utah County administrator. “The county is very fortunate to be super lean on our services. We only try to provide what’s absolutely necessary.”

Heather Harmon, who lives in Payson, attended the open house “to learn and see where it’s going to go.”

Speaking with county officials, she said, gave her a pretty good idea.

“There’s a lot of people who aren’t me that need help and can’t afford it,” Harmon said, “and I guess it’s not so bad to give a little extra.”

Residents speaking to Utah County staff at the open house. (Avi Robledo, KSL TV)

Nair said Utah County is operating with a budget deficit, and the tax increase would close that and pay for critical services.

But the proposal isn’t popular with several residents. Dozens spoke against it at a hearing last month. Plus, the county recently raised salaries for elected officials and hired some new administrative staff.

“We try not to be the highest-paid county for any particular position,” Nair said.

A view over Utah County. (Avi Robledo, KSL TV)

Nair said the county’s costs are going up. Harmon said she understands that, even though paying more taxes isn’t easy.

“I think it’s probably hard for everybody,” she said.

County officials said the tax increase proposal is not set in stone, and they are working it out. They plan to hold another public hearing in October before adopting a final budget before the end of the year.