Guidance from the Utah Office of Tourism
Knowing how to approach travel safely and responsibly right now is challenging. While the opportunity to relax and escape into Utah’s wide-open spaces may be enticing, thoughts surrounding social distancing, sanitation and safety in public places are distressing. Traveling inherently increases the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus, but there are measures we can all take to travel more responsibly and have a positive impact on the communities we visit.
The first step is researching and understanding the risks associated with travel. Refer to the CDC’s up-to-date travel guidelines, as well as Visit Utah’s coronavirus travel updates. Then, as you plan your next trip to Utah consider branching off the beaten path. Although Utah’s national and state parks are open (with some limitations), many are under significant pressure from large groups of travelers. Instead, plan a road trip along The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12, or hike a new trail in the local favorite Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument region. Now is the time to gain new perspectives, to focus on thoughtfulness as you travel and to make a positive impact on communities along the way.
Like so many locally-owned businesses around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has put tremendous pressure on Utah’s restaurants, boutiques, guides and numerous other businesses. While working together to control the spread of the coronavirus is paramount, we also have the opportunity to restore strength to these local businesses. Small but mighty changes in where you shop, the places you stay and the way you interact with a community can make a world of difference.
With that said, traveling responsibly is about more than exploring new destinations and supporting communities along the way. It’s about immersing yourself in a place’s heritage and culture. It’s about slowing down when possible and stopping to fully appreciate all that is around you. It’s about caring deeply, and finding ways to ensure Utah’s destinations stay Forever Mighty. Consider these ideas as you plan your next trip to Utah. We’re ready to welcome you back when the time is right, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
For more information and inspiration from The Utah Office of Tourism, go to https://www.visitutah.com/