Fifty-two Utah entities will get a total of more than $2.3 million to promote local tourism.

The Utah Board of Tourism Development this week approved their applications for funding as part of the state's cooperative marketing program. The board had received 60 applications from nonprofit entities in 19 counties, including county tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, festivals and museums.

Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the state Office of Tourism, said the program has allowed the state to expand the "Life Elevated" brand to more out-of-state visitors in more markets.

The state tourism office matches up to half of the cost of each recipient's marketing projects. All projects must use the "Life Elevated" brand.

"The program is now in its fourth year and sixth round of funding, and we're thrilled that we have been able to provide advertising monies to all but two of Utah's 29 counties," von der Esch said.

Among the largest applications approved this week were $250,000 each for Ski Utah and the Park City Convention and Visitors Bureau; $240,000 for the Moab Area Travel Council; $150,000 for the St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; $142,500 to the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau for its Ski Salt Lake program; and $112,183 for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.