Previously embroiled in legal disputes over development plans, Utah Lake has quietly become a significant economic asset for the surrounding area, according to a new study.
The study, released on Monday, found that visitors to Utah Lake spent nearly $75 million last year.
Conducted by Ernst & Young and commissioned by the Utah Lake Authority (ULA), the research surveyed out-of-county visitors to gather data on their trips and estimate their spending.
“Utah Lake is often overlooked, but in reality, it makes substantial contributions to our economy,” said Luke Peterson, executive director of the ULA.
‘An economic engine for the region’
The study revealed that visitors in 2024 contributed $56.8 million to the GDP and $9.2 million in state and local tax revenue.
Utah Lake recorded 1.1 million “visitor-days,” defined as one visit per person. Of these, more than 800,000 visitors stayed overnight and paid for lodging.
According to the findings, visitors spent the most on food and rental services. Day visitors spent about $45.88, approximately $10 more per day on recreational activities compared to those staying longer.
Those who paid for lodging spent an average of $34.86 per night, resulting in a total of $71.59 per visitor, the study found.
These expenditures over the course of the year amounted to $74.3 million in total economic activity, according to the report.
In addition, Utah Lake’s tourism supports 823 jobs in Utah County, including 598 positions at visitor-serving businesses and 225 additional jobs from supplier and employee spending, the study indicated.
This research reflects a broader shift in perception toward a lake that has often been neglected, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, described Utah Lake as “an economic engine for the region.”
“Beyond its natural beauty and recreational value, it drives jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens the county’s economy,” Blair said. “This study highlights the essential role Utah Lake plays in improving the quality of life for both visitors and residents.”
— news from Deseret News
— News Original —
Utah Lake emerges as a key economic contributor to the community – Deseret News
Previously entrenched in legal battles because of plans to turn it into a development project, Utah Lake has been quietly generating economic value for its surrounding community, according to a new study.
The study, published on Monday, found that Utah Lake visitors spent nearly $75 million last year.
The study, conducted by Ernst & Young and commissioned by the Utah Lake Authority (ULA), surveyed out-of-county visitors to gather data on their visit and estimate their spending.
“Utah Lake is an often invisible asset. But in reality, it makes significant contributions to our economy,” Luke Peterson, ULA executive director, said.
‘An economic engine for the region’
The study found visitors in 2024 contributed $56.8 million to the GDP and $9.2 million in revenue in state and local taxes.
Utah Lake had 1.1 million “visitor-days,” defined as one visit per person. Of these, more than 800,000 visitors stayed and paid for lodging.
According to the study, visitors spent the most on food and rental services. Day-visitors spent about $45.88, about $10 more per day on recreational activities compared to those staying longer.
Those paying for lodging spent an average of $34.86 for their stay, resulting in a total of $71.59, the study found.
The study estimated these contributions, over a yearlong period, amounted to $74.3 million.
In addition, Utah Lake’s tourism supports 823 jobs in Utah County, which includes 598 jobs at visitor-serving businesses and 225 additional jobs from supplier and employee purchases, the study found.
This study captures, in practice, an overall shifting perspective toward an often overlooked lake, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, called Utah Lake “an economic engine for the region.”
“Beyond its natural beauty and recreational value, it drives jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens the county’s economy,” Blair said. “This study underscores the vital role Utah Lake plays in enhancing the quality of life for both visitors and residents.”