Utah Showcases Innovation, Heritage, and Hospitality at IPW 2025

The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) took center stage at IPW 2025 with a dynamic press conference on June 18, 2025, drawing the attention of hundreds of international media attendees. The presentation highlighted major developments across the state, from transformative infrastructure and global connectivity to cultural initiatives and milestone events. The overarching message: Utah is not just a destination—it’s a story still being written, rich with adventure, community, and history.

Among the most exciting announcements was the launch of the new nonstop flight between Salt Lake City and Incheon, South Korea. This international route is a key component of Utah’s effort to enhance global access and tourism growth. Operating daily in the summer and three times weekly in winter, the new service links Asia to the Intermountain West, providing easier access to Utah’s national parks, ski resorts, and cultural landmarks.

As the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics draw closer, Salt Lake City is once again in the international spotlight. With a proven Olympic legacy—having hosted a successful and profitable Winter Games in 2002—Utah is ready to welcome the world back to its snow-covered peaks and iconic venues. More than a third of Team USA Olympians have ties to Utah, and the state has remained a training ground and competitive stage for winter sports excellence.

Another major milestone is the expansion of the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Already one of the top-performing airports in North America, SLC is undergoing a $5.1 billion redevelopment that will bring the total number of gates to 94 by fall 2026. Serving over 100 nonstop destinations and ranking first in North America for on-time performance, SLC is primed to become an even more influential gateway for global visitors.

Looking beyond sports and travel logistics, UOT also celebrated Utah’s rich film heritage with the launch of the Utah Film Trail. In honor of 100 years of filmmaking in the state, this new initiative marks historic movie locations—from classic Westerns like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to modern favorites like High School Musical. The trail encourages “set-jetting” tourism while celebrating Utah’s role in the American cinematic imagination.

To underscore the importance of responsible and inclusive tourism, UOT invited Louis Williams of Ancient Wayves to share insights on indigenous tourism. Williams spoke passionately about the need for environmental stewardship, the wisdom of local guides, and the cultural depth that comes from authentic indigenous storytelling—an integral part of Utah’s travel experience.

The state also introduced new travel products and experiences, including a major expansion at Deer Valley Resort. With 135 new ski runs, 16 lifts, and four mountain peaks being added, Deer Valley is set to become one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Luxury rail travel is also on the horizon with Canyon Spirit, a new Salt Lake City extension of the Rocky Mountaineer route, launching in 2026 and offering travelers breathtaking views of Utah’s red rock landscapes and the Colorado River.

In a nod to its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage, Utah announced the 2027 Open House Celebration for the Salt Lake Temple. For the first time in over a century, the public will have the rare opportunity to tour this iconic structure, with free tours offered in a multitude of languages from April through October.

From Olympic ambitions to indigenous voices, historic landmarks to cinematic trails, Utah’s IPW 2025 showcase made it clear: the Beehive State is buzzing with opportunity, welcoming the world with open arms and unforgettable experiences.