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
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