During a recent meeting of the Utah County Commission, the executive director of Explore Utah Valley presented an overview of the organization's marketing efforts and initiatives aimed at boosting the local visitor economy in 2023. The presentation highlighted various campaigns designed to attract both residents and tourists to explore the diverse offerings of Utah County.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the "Summer Bucket List" campaign, which gamified local visitation by encouraging participants to engage in various activities throughout the county. This interactive approach attracted over a thousand players, significantly enhancing community engagement and promoting local businesses, historical sites, and outdoor activities.

The presentation also emphasized the importance of winter tourism, noting that efforts were made to diversify winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Collaborations with travel magazines and platforms like TravelZoo resulted in substantial online engagement, with over 1.7 million people reached through targeted campaigns. The new website for Explore Utah Valley has also seen impressive traffic, surpassing one million sessions, indicating a growing interest in local events and attractions.

In addition to leisure tourism, the organization reported significant economic impacts from group sales efforts, generating an estimated $12.5 million through conferences and sports tournaments. This influx is expected to bring over 36,000 attendees to the area, showcasing Utah County as a viable destination for larger events.

The meeting concluded with a strong affirmation of the county's potential as a premier location for both living and visiting, with officials expressing gratitude for the ongoing efforts to promote the region. As Explore Utah Valley continues to enhance its marketing strategies, the community can anticipate further growth in tourism and local engagement in the coming years.