National Park visitors spent $1.9 billion in Utah – third highest in nation

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — More than 15 million people visited Utah’s national parks in 2023, spending billions and helping create jobs to add $3 billion to the state economy, according to the National Parks Service.

In a newly released report, visitors to Utah’s 13 national parks spent an estimated $1.9 billion and supported over 26,000 jobs. It’s the third highest in the nation, behind only California and North Carolina.

“Whether it’s science, adventure, history or scenery, Utah’s national parks leave the more than 15 million visitors marveling,” said Kate Hammond, NPS Intermountain Regional Director. “Investments into Utah national parks give back to communities and these visitors support the state’s economy.”

So where are Utah’s visitors spending their money?

Three Utah-based real estate coaches barred from teaching, ordered to refund $2.8M

According to the National Parks Service, more than $700 million – or about 40% of visitor spending – is on lodging such as hotels. Next about $306 million (16%) is spent on restaurants. Other spending includes gas, recreation, shopping, groceries, and camping.

The 2023 numbers mark another rise in Utah’s tourism industry since the sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, national park visitors spent only $878 million in Utah. That number rebounded past pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and has continued to grow in the years since.

Nationwide, more than 325 million people visited national parks in 2023, spending an estimated $26.4 billion. As it was in Utah, most of that spending was on lodging and restaurants.

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.