Tourism office seeking public input on how to promote the state

Utah is looking for help in formulating its brand.

The state Office of Tourism has scheduled a series of public meetings over the next few weeks to get public input on a new brand to promote the state.

The Legislature allocated $14 million over the next two years to promote Utah to out-of-state tourists. W Communications will work with tourism officials on the brand strategy, and the new brand will be unveiled in November at the World Travel Market in London.

"We want to make sure Utah residents have an opportunity to tell us what makes their state unique as we get ready to launch a branding and advertising campaign to increase the number of out-of-state tourists, lengthen tourist visits and boost visitor spending," said Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the tourism office, part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

"Utah aspires to develop a branding platform that captures the Utah experience and essence, including the sound, feel and color of the state. Who knows this better than our own tourism partners?"

• Sept. 9: Ogden Eccles Conference Center, Executive Room 100, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 9 a.m.

• Sept. 9: American West Heritage Center, Highways 89/91, Logan, 2 p.m.

• Sept. 12: Salt Palace Convention Center, 1 p.m.

• Sept. 13: Health and Justice Building, 151 S. University Ave., Provo, 9 a.m.

• Sept. 13: The Canyons, Grand Summit, Park City, 1:30 p.m.

• Sept. 15; Richfield, location to be determined, 1 p.m.

• Sept. 16: Price City Hall, Room 207, 185 Main St., Price, 8:30 a.m.

• Sept. 16: Moab Valley Inn, 711 S. Main, Moab, 1:30 p.m.

• Sept. 22: Southern Utah University, Heritage Hall, Room 1, 105 N. 100 East, Cedar City, 1 p.m.

• Sept. 23: Dixie Center, Museum Auditorium, St. George, 9 a.m.

• Sept. 23: Kanab, location to be determined, 2 p.m.

Details are available by calling the tourism office at 801-538-1900 or visiting travel.utah.gov.