During IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, the state of Utah delivered one of the most ambitious presentations of the event, unveiling a comprehensive tourism strategy that combines airport infrastructure, sports tourism, cultural experiences and cinematic attractions to strengthen its position as one of the most attractive destinations in the United States.

At the press conference, Dave Hansford, representative of the Utah Office of Tourism, highlighted that the state is experiencing a historic period of tourism expansion and international growth, driven by multi-billion-dollar investments and increasingly strong air connectivity.

One of the major announcements was the final phase of the Salt Lake City International Airport redevelopment project, a massive investment valued at $5.1 billion. The expansion will significantly increase the airport’s operational capacity to 94 gates, reinforcing Salt Lake City’s role as a global gateway to the western United States.

Hansford also emphasized the success of the new direct flight between Salt Lake City and Seoul-Incheon, a strategic connection that expands access for the Asian market and further strengthens Utah’s international positioning. According to officials, nearly 80% of the world’s population is now just one flight connection away from Utah.

Sports and winter tourism also played a central role in the presentation. Utah continues preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics, reaffirming its historic connection to snow sports and the Olympic legacy established since the 2002 Winter Games.

In this context, Utah also announced the major expansion of Deer Valley Resort, one of North America’s premier ski destinations. The project will add 16 new ski lifts and 135 additional trails, significantly enhancing the state’s luxury and adventure tourism offerings.

Beyond winter sports, Utah is also investing heavily in cultural and film tourism. One of the most important announcements revealed that the historic Salt Lake Temple will open to the general public for the first time in more than 100 years. Free guided tours will be available for seven months between April and October 2027, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to explore one of the most iconic religious landmarks in the American West.

For film enthusiasts, Utah officially launched the Utah Film Trail, an innovative tourism route allowing visitors to explore real filming locations from iconic Hollywood productions. The initiative includes more than 30 historical markers across different regions of the state, combining nature, history and cinematic culture.

The project aims to capitalize on Utah’s long-standing connection with the film industry, as its deserts, mountains and national parks have served as settings for classic westerns and major contemporary productions.

With these initiatives, Utah seeks to position itself not only as a destination for nature and adventure, but also as a global hub for immersive experiences connected to sports, culture, cinema and international connectivity.

Utah’s message at IPW 2026 made it clear that the state is embracing a more diverse, modern and accessible tourism model, prepared to welcome millions of visitors in the years ahead amid strong international growth.