Utah Tourism Industry Honors 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Olivier Barthez, Kym Buttschardt and Lance Syrett highlight this year’s class of tourism legends
Bryce Canyon City, Utah (Oct. 3, 2025) — The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) and the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA) honored the 2025 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame inductees at this year’s annual Utah Tourism Conference held in Bryce Canyon.
The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients are selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through leadership and long-standing contributions to their region or to the entire state. This year’s inductees include Olivier Barthez, Account Manager for France, Belgium and Luxembourg from the Utah Office of Tourism, Kym Buttschardt, owner of Roosters Brewing Company & Restaurant Group and Lance Syrett, General Manager of Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon.
“This year’s inductees embody the spirit of Utah tourism, welcoming, innovative and community-minded,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “Their leadership has created lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 134 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 to improve the business climate for tourism-related businesses in Utah.
"Honoring the 2025 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame inductees is a celebration of both their individual professional accomplishments and the collective legacy they leave for the next generation of Utah's tourism industry,” said Celina Sinclair, executive director, Utah Tourism Industry Association. “Their work strengthens communities, supports local businesses, and elevates the visitor experience across every corner of our state.”
More on the 2025 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Recipients:
Olivier Barthez, Account Manager for France, Belgium and Luxembourg, Utah Office of Tourism
Olivier Barthez has been instrumental in elevating Utah’s profile among European travelers through his long-standing international marketing leadership. As the Utah Office of Tourism’s representative in France (also overseeing Belgium and Luxembourg), Barthez leads Orkestra Tourism, a communications and PR agency specialized in promoting U.S. destinations, and has spearheaded partnerships that showcase Utah’s iconic landscapes and cultural heritage to new audiences abroad. He is known for highlighting Utah’s unique Native American history and wide-open landscapes as major draws for French visitors. A champion of responsible travel, Barthez emphasizes sustainable tourism and Leave No Trace principles in his outreach, aligning Utah’s tourism message with the values of European travelers. His efforts have strengthened Utah’s presence in key international markets and fostered greater appreciation of Utah as a premier destination overseas.
Kym Buttschardt, Owner, Roosters Brewing Company & Restaurant Group
Kym Buttschardt is a pioneering restaurateur and community leader whose contributions have greatly impacted Utah’s tourism landscape. As co-founder and owner of Roosters Brewing Company & Restaurant Group, she helped spur downtown Ogden’s renaissance by transforming historic 25th Street from a declining rail-era district into a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The success of her brewpubs and eateries not only revitalized Ogden’s city center but also created a backdrop for festivals, farmers markets, concerts and events, many of which the Buttschardts organize or support. Buttschardt’s community-first approach to hospitality earned her and her husband the Utah Restaurant Association’s prestigious Golden Spoon award, recognizing their “community-minded spirit” and support for the community through their restaurants. In addition to running a growing restaurant group, she has taken on key tourism leadership roles, currently serving as chair of the Utah Office of Tourism Board of Directors. In this statewide capacity, Buttschardt advocates for initiatives to elevate Utah’s visitor economy and continues to champion the idea of local businesses as the heart of a memorable Utah travel experience.
Lance Syrett, General Manager, Ruby’s Inn
Lance Syrett is the general manager of Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon National Park and a fourth-generation ambassador of Utah hospitality. As the great-grandson of the lodge’s founders, Syrett has carried on his family’s century-old tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world, helping the Bryce Canyon area thrive as a year-round destination for travelers. Beyond overseeing the historic Ruby’s Inn – which began in 1916 – he has been a driving force in Utah’s tourism industry through various leadership roles. Syrett has served as chair of the Utah Office of Tourism Board of Directors and also chairs the Garfield County Tourism & Travel Council, while lending his expertise as a board member of the Utah Tourism Industry Association. Under his guidance, Ruby’s Inn celebrated its 100th anniversary with statewide recognition and the Syrett family’s contributions to Utah tourism were honored with one of the very first inductions into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame in 1985. Lance Syrett’s ongoing dedication and visionary leadership continue to build on that legacy, fostering growth in southern Utah’s tourism economy and enhancing the visitor experience at one of Utah’s most iconic destinations.
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About the Utah Office of Tourism:
The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) fulfills its mission to improve the quality of life for Utah residents through revenue and tax relief by attracting quality, well-prepared domestic and international visitation and motivating tourism spending within a sustainable tourism economy. The UOT partners with communities to develop tourism economies and storytelling consistent with their local vision and encourages stewardship and industry support through local engagement and ambassadorship. To advance these goals, the UOT manages year-round strategic marketing, industry research, media relations, cooperative marketing, in-state public relations, website and visitor experience enhancements, and destination management and development programs. Learn more at travel.utah.gov and visitutah.com.
About Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA)
The Utah Tourism Industry Association, formally the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition, started over 12 years ago and serves as the umbrella organization and advocate for Utah’s visitor economy. As a 501c6 nonprofit organization, UTIA strives to deliver exceptional value to its members ranging from a variety of tourism sectors. Offered are various member-driven public policy initiatives, business networking opportunities, marketing programs and educational offerings all to help members and the tourism industry succeed today and in the future. UTIA has been long-recognized as the tourism industry’s home base for education, advocacy and networking. UTIA makes it so “Tourism Works.” Learn more at utahtourism.org.
