Ogden celebrates tourism growth with new brand and successful events

The Ogden City Council held a work session on February 18, 2025, focusing on tourism, economic impact, and community engagement. The meeting highlighted significant achievements in the local tourism sector and outlined future initiatives aimed at enhancing Ogden's appeal as a destination.

The session began with a recap of Ogden's recognition as the third-best main street in the USA by USA Today, alongside Snowbasin being ranked the top resort in the West. The council celebrated three centennial events in 2024, including the 100-year anniversaries of the Egyptian Theater and Union Station, which were marked by community activities and a time capsule project.

Tourism tax collections for 2024 reached nearly $9.3 million, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. Despite a slight decline in hotel occupancy rates—down 2% for Weber County and 1% for Ogden City—average daily rates rose by 6%, indicating a resilient tourism economy. The council noted that visitor spending in Weber County amounted to $489 million, generating significant tax revenue that benefits local residents.

The meeting also addressed the importance of strategic marketing and branding efforts to attract visitors and support local businesses. The council reported a successful brand refresh and website launch, which resulted in a 38% increase in active users and over 44,000 clicks directed to local partners since April 2024.

Future initiatives include a focus on destination stewardship, with plans for community engagement and education, as well as advocacy efforts to secure funding for tourism marketing and legislative support. The council emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to enhance Ogden's tourism landscape.

In conclusion, the work session underscored Ogden's commitment to fostering a vibrant tourism economy while engaging the community and promoting local businesses. The council looks forward to building on these successes in the coming year.