Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Inducts Visit Salt Lake's Kaitlin Eskelson

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Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Inducts Visit Salt Lake's Kaitlin Eskelson

10/8/2024
SALT LAKE CITY — Kaitlin Eskelson, president & CEO of Visit Salt Lake (VSL), was inducted into the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame at the Utah Tourism Conference in Davis County on Sept. 27, 2024, by The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) and the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA).

The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients were selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through strong leadership and long-standing commitment to their region or to the entire state. Other inductees included recently retired UOT Managing Director Vicki Varela, political consultant Des Barker and Temple Square Hospitality legend Neil Wilkinson.

“This year’s group of Hall of Fame inductees have left their mark on Utah and earned our industry’s deepest gratitude and appreciation,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “All Utahns have benefitted from their dedication to elevating the visitor economy.”

Team Visit Salt Lake at 2024 Tourism Hall of Fame Awards. [L to R: Christie Whipple, Bart Blaisdell, Bill Krause, Anton Eckert, Krista Parry, Kaitlin Eskelson, Ryan Mack, Tate Harris and Matthew Hemsley.]

A champion of Utah’s visitor economy, Eskelson has a long and accomplished career in travel and tourism and has made profound contributions for the betterment of the industry in Utah. Since being named President & CEO of Visit Salt Lake, she’s led the momentous growth of the visitor economy in Salt Lake County, which generates $5.84 billion annually, a notable 46 percent of the statewide amount. VSL’s team is on track to book more than 1.1 million room nights in 2024, which will result in an estimated future delegate spend of $1,311,960,000.

Her most notable recent accomplishments include working collaboratively with officials on the new SLC International Airport, welcoming the National Hockey League to Utah and securing the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. She’s led her team to the successful passage of new Convention & Tourism Assessment Areas, establishment of the Annual Salt Lake Winter Roundup, formation of the Impact Salt Lake Foundation 501(c)(3), the debut of the Salt Summit, introduction of Speak Salt Lake Speakers Bureau, continuing the successful SALT Awards front line hospitality worker recognition program and the timely launch of Sports Salt Lake.

“I’m so honored to receive this award and am humbled to be part of this talented group of professionals. I am continually empowered and impressed by this vibrant industry,” said Eskelson. “Salt Lake is experiencing a once-in-a-generation growth, as it once again prepares to welcome the world for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. We are uniquely well positioned for continued, sustainable growth and success and that’s partially due to our partnerships with these industry veterans.”

Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 131 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.

About Visit Salt Lake
Visit Salt Lake is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. In partnership with Salt Lake County, Visit Salt Lake improves the area economy by attracting and providing support to conventions, sports events, leisure travelers and visitors with a strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the area’s natural environment. Through its sales and marketing programs, Visit Salt Lake’s impact on Salt Lake’s annual $5.4 billion visitor economy equates to nearly $1,800 in tax relief for each household within Salt Lake County. For more information on all that Salt Lake has to offer, go to www.VisitSaltLake.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.

About the Utah Office of Tourism (UOT)
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.

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