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COVID-19 Update

The Utah Office of Tourism is here to support our industry. We are monitoring the rapidly evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The UOT will work to share resources and talking points to ensure you have the most timely and accurate information possible.

Impact on Utah’s Visitor Economy

U.S. Airlines have canceled flights to and from mainland China through the end of April. It will take time to gather new data & reporting to fully measure the impact this will have. In the short-term, we can expect a decrease in visitation from China.

Our focus is on the health and safety of our reps and friends in China as well as communities around the world that are managing this issue. 

China is an important contributor to Utah’s visitor economy. In 2018, 83,821 Chinese visitors traveled to the state of Utah. In 2018, China was Utah’s 2nd largest international visitor market following Canada (289,052 Canadian visitors). In 2018, the Chinese market made up 17.3% of international spending. 

We remain optimistic and continue to support responsible visitation to Utah in China. We have re-negotiated our campaigns, we are reinforcing our industry partnerships, we are supporting positive and welcoming messages on our social channels and will be focused on travel trade education over the next few months. 

There are no current travel restrictions or advisories for Utah or for the U.S. We are monitoring consumer travel concerns that could influence visitation both domestically and from other countries including Italy, South Korea and Iran. We continue to engage with industry leaders and health officials on any travel advisories or impacts this will have on Utah’s visitor economy. 

Industry experts stress the appeal of outdoor spaces, safety and health & wellness for visitors. We aim to keep our potential visitors optimistic and inspired about transformational and responsible travel in Utah.


Utah Department of Health

Please be advised that public health agencies are closely monitoring COVID-19. The Utah Department of Health has stated that even though this is a worrisome public health situation, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general public is believed to be low.

For the latest information and resources, see the Utah Department of Health.


Coronavirus Employer Information Session

The Governor's Office of Economic Development, Salt Lake Chamber, EDCUtah and World Trade Center Utah are collaboring with the Utah Department of Health to lead a YouTube Live webcast where they’ll share information about protective measures you can take in the workplace.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will lead the session and Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist from the Utah Department of Health, will address the outbreak, provide information and recommendations for Utah businesses.

When: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: The public is invited to watch the YouTube Live video stream at utahgoed.info/coronavirus. The recorded session will be available at the same URL immediately following the live video stream.


Travel Recommendations and Resources

Center for Disease Control COVID 2019 Information for Travel 

American Hotel & Lodging Association's Coronavirus Resource Page

Healthy Travel Practices

  • Wash hands often 

  • Cough into your elbow and sneeze into a tissue

  • Consult with a doctor before traveling when sick 

  •  Stay up-to-date on vaccinations

  • Avoid contact with people who are already sick 

  • Avoid contact with animals while traveling 

  • Be aware of the latest travel advisories from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department

U.S. Travel Resources

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coronavirus 

Media Holding Statement and Talking Points

Get the Facts about COVID-19

U.S. Travel's Crisis Readiness Playbook

PCMA's COVID-19 Crisis Management and Recovery Plan

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Coronavirus Resource Page

World Health Organization's Explanatory Video and Resources Page

Please contact UOT's  Anna Loughridge (PR manager) and Andrew Gillman (tourism creative and content director) for additional media talking points and communication strategies.
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