Utah Tourism Industry Awards 2020 Hall of Fame Recipients

SALT LAKE CITY, UT –– The Utah Office of Tourism and the Utah Tourism Industry Association announce the 2020 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients. Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients are selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through leadership, long-standing contribution to their region or to the entire state. The 2020 Hall of Fame recipients were acknowledged at this year’s Utah Tourism Conference, held virtually with a limited in-person event at the Salt Palace Convention Center. 

“This is an award about recognizing leadership in one of Utah’s largest economic sectors,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “It’s an honor to recognize this year's recipients who have all made significant and sustaining contributions to Utah’s tourism industry, particularly during challenging times.” 

Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 118 recipients who have contributed toward improving the national/international recognition of the positive aspects of vacationing in Utah, improved the understanding of Utah residents regarding the attractions of their state and the economic development benefits of tourism for the state, and facilitated efforts of improving the business climate for tourism-related businesses in Utah. 

2020 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Recipients: 

• Val Hale, Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development –– As the Executive Director of the Utah’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Val has guided the state’s economic development efforts in business, tourism and film. Val has been a champion for tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities, helping put Utah on the map as a premier destination across the globe and helping all Utahn’s live “Life Elevated.” Val has been instrumental in paving a path towards recovery for Utah’s tourism industry as a resourceful, collaborative and innovative leader.
• Joyce Kelly, International Marketing Manager, Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office –– As the International Marketing Manager for the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Joyce Kelly has proven herself an asset to Utah. She has been instrumental in putting the Greater Zion area and other destinations in Southern Utah on the international map. She has built and strengthened relationships with key tour operators across the globe and through these relationships has brought visitors from around the world to Utah's National Parks. 
• Bill Malone, President and CEO, Park City Chamber/Bureau –– As the President and CEO at Park City Chamber/Bureau, Bill has been invaluable to the Park City community. Bill is a talented destination ambassador and has led one the most effective Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the country. He has an eye for talent and has attracted/retained/developed industry leaders who bring hundreds of millions in revenue to the community every year. Bill has demonstrated a flexible and adaptive aptitude to new trends, yet preserves the history and integrity of the destination. 

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About the Utah Office of Tourism:

The Utah Office of Tourism's (UOT) mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship and development. Marketing: UOT curates messaging that inspires visitation, supports local businesses and builds the Utah economy. Stewardship: UOT manages visitation statewide and supports the responsible discovery of Utah. Development: UOT partners with local communities to enhance and develop their visitor economies to benefit residents and visitors. Learn more at visitutah.com and travel.utah.gov

About Utah Tourism Industry Association:

The Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA) is the umbrella organization and advocates for Utah’s visitor economy. UTIA works hand-in-hand with the Utah Office of Tourism, as well as a majority of the county destination marketing organizations plus guides, outfitters, restaurants and over 200 lodging properties across the state. Learn more at utahtourism.org