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Visitor Information Center

The Greater Zion Visitor Center is a must for anyone interested in exploring the natural wonders of southwest Utah.

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Industry Partners Hub

Your comprehensive resource center for tourism partnership, data, and collaboration in Washington County.

Department Resources

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Community & Partner Relations

The Community & Partner Relations team builds connections between the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office and local stakeholders, providing resources and support to enhance tourism experiences throughout Washington County.

Resources & Services

Speaker Request Form

Newsletter Sign Up & Archive

Destination Download

Destination Development Funding Application


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Marketing

The Marketing team develops compelling campaigns and content to showcase Greater Zion to potential visitors, highlighting the region’s unique experiences and attractions.

Resources & Services

Brand Guidelines and Style Guide

Campaigns (Past & Current)

Partner Media Library

Share Your News

Funding Application

Greater Zion in the News (Paid and Organic)


The Promised Land Behind the Scenes

Film

Showcasing Greater Zion as a premier film venue for those seeking stunning locations to bring their visions to life on screen. 

Film Commission Resources

Job Postings

Crew and Support Services Directory

Film Permits


The Promised Land Behind the Scenes

Meetings & Conventions

Connecting organizations with lodging, venues, attractions, and activities that take their events, conferences, retreats, or trade shows to another level. 

Meeting Planner Guide

Planner Incentive Form

Meeting Planner Toolkit

Venue Directory

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP)


The Promised Land Behind the Scenes

Sports & Events

Aligning organizations with resources and infrastructure for sports and adventure events.

Sports Tool Kit

Venue Directory

Funding Applications

Request Information about Sports & Events


The Promised Land Behind the Scenes

Travel Trade

Connecting International Planners and Travel Professionals with destination information for their clients.

Resources 

Motorcoach


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Visitor Services

Serving as the frontline ambassadors of Greater Zion, we enhance visitors’ experiences by offering recommendations and providing resources about local businesses and offerings.

Resources to help clients plan an unforgettable trip: 

Greater Zion Visitor Center Information

Printed Materials Request – Guides and Maps

Event Calendar Submission

For more questions, email us or call (435) 301-7400.

Understanding Tourism Taxes

Tourism Impact in Washington County

$965.8M

Visitor Spending (2023)

12,863

Jobs Supported

$167.1M

State & Local Tax Revenue

$2,000

In Tax Benefits per Utah Household

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When visitors stay in hotels, motels, RV parks, or other accommodations in Washington County, a 4.25% Transient Room Tax (TRT) is applied to their lodging costs. These funds are collected by the Utah State Tax Commission and redistributed back to Washington County, where, in accordance with state legislation, Greater Zion strategically invests in tourism promotion and destination development projects. These investments enhance the visitor experience while creating lasting benefits for both residents and visitors alike.

Impact of Tourism Tax Revenue

Destination Development

A portion of TRT revenue is invested in county projects, from trail systems to recreational facilities, creating infrastructure and amenities that enhance visitor experiences and improve the quality of life for residents.

Over the past decade, more than $30 million in TRT funds have been invested in Washington County projects like:

  • Trail systems and outdoor recreation infrastructure
  • Parks and recreational facilities
  • Event venues and cultural amenities
  • Tourism-related infrastructure improvements

This dedicated funding source ensures ongoing investment in the region’s tourism assets without placing additional tax burden on local residents.

TRT Distribution Structure

State TRT Graph for website
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About Greater Zion

The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office is the official tourism team for Washington County. Through Transient Room Tax (TRT) funding, we promote Greater Zion as an elite travel and convention destination. Our goal is simple: promote the area to visitors, then reinvest tax revenue from their spending to improve our region for both visitors and locals.

We accomplish this with strategic marketing and strong domestic and international partnerships. These efforts grow our local economy and help protect the stunning natural beauty that makes this place so special.

This region is more than Zion National Park. Don’t get us wrong—the park is our crown jewel. But with four state parks (Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, and Gunlock),  19 unique communities, and 14 golf courses within a 20-mile radius, Greater Zion offers an incredible range of landscapes and endless ways for people to relax, explore, play, and connect.

People come here from all over the world, many of whom return year after year. There’s something about this place that speaks to them—something they feel deep down, even if they can’t quite explain it. We can. It is you. Our partners who help make Greater Zion a must-see destination. (The scenery does help. A little.) 


Together, we help make this region an enticing place. Together, we help people attain the indescribable feeling they chase.  Together, we are Greater. 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to maximize the revenue generated by visitors to create a superior experience for visitors and residents.

Vision

Inspire Greater. Experience Greater. Live Greater.

At Greater Zion, we strive to inspire travelers to explore our extraordinary region, deliver exceptional tourism experiences, and enrich the quality of life for our residents through sustainable tourism development.

Tourism isn’t just about visitors. It’s about us.

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2025 Key Initiatives

“Greater Zion is the kind of place where the people shape the experience as much as the landscape. Our local businesses, guides, and community members do so much more than welcome visitors; they take pride in helping them feel like they belong. It’s that genuine hospitality, paired with unforgettable experiences, that keeps people coming back again and again.” – Brittany McMichael,  Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office Director

The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office works together as a team to identify a focused set of key initiatives that guide our efforts. These initiatives are selected through a thoughtful and collaborative process and are reviewed regularly to ensure they meet the needs of our community and visitor economy.Guided by our principles—Inspire Greater, Experience Greater, Live Greater—these initiatives reflect our responsibility to use tourism funds wisely and to create lasting benefits for both visitors and residents throughout Washington County.

  • Grow Awareness of Greater Zion
  • Support Events and New Visitor Markets
  • Strengthen Digital Tools and Online Presence
  • Improve Communication for Key Tourism Markets
  • Enhance Media and Marketing Resources
  • Use Data to Guide Decisions
  • Increase Education, Collaboration, and Transparency
  • Invest in Trails and Destination Development

Organizational Evolution

The organization now known as Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office has gone through several iterations as it has grown and evolved:

Washington County, Utah

Tourism & Convention History

From Tourism Boosters to Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
1960s Tourism Boosters organization forms Community-driven group established to promote the region as a destination.
1970s Washington County Travel Council established Lobbying organization formed to advance travel and tourism in the county.
1990s Washington County Travel & Convention Bureau Formal bureau created to support travel and convention business.
1996–2014 St. George Convention & Tourism St. George–focused convention and tourism office leads destination marketing.
2018 Rebranded as Washington County Convention and Tourism Office County-wide identity adopted to represent the full destination.
2019 Greater Zion Brand launched Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office — the name and brand that define the destination today.

The evolution to “Greater Zion” represents a maturation of our destination’s identity, embracing Zion National Park as our most recognized asset while acknowledging that our region is greater than the sum of its parts. As a region, it showcases an array of experiences, landscapes, and communities that collectively create a premier destination.

Tourism Milestones

From the early 1900s, when visitors began arriving to experience Zion National Park’s majestic landscape, tourism established a stronghold in Washington County’s economy. The region’s destination promotion efforts have evolved significantly over the decades, with a focus on showcasing the area’s extraordinary natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Washington County, Utah

Greater Zion: A Legacy Timeline

From National Monument to World Championship Destination
Foundations
1909 Mukuntuweap National Monument Established The precursor to Zion National Park is designated, protecting the canyon's dramatic sandstone walls.
1919 Zion National Park Officially Designated One of America's most iconic national parks is born — now the second most visited park in the United States.
Growth & Community
1950s–60s Western Movies Era Hollywood discovers the region — sweeping red rock landscapes become the backdrop for iconic Western films.
1962 Snow Canyon State Park Opens A world-class destination for hiking, climbing, and scenic wonder just minutes from St. George.
1963 Dixie College Opens Higher education takes root in the region, laying the groundwork for Utah Tech University today.
1965 Dixie Red Hills Golf Course Opens One of the region's first golf courses sets the stage for what will become a premier golf destination with 14 courses.
1970 Gunlock State Park Opens A remote reservoir oasis offering boating, fishing, and water recreation amid stunning sandstone scenery.
1972 I-15 Completed The interstate connecting Salt Lake City to Los Angeles opens Greater Zion to millions of travelers.
Sports & Culture
1977 St. George Marathon — Inaugural Race One of the most celebrated marathons in the country takes its first strides through the red rock landscape.
1986 Quail Creek State Park Opens Crystal-clear waters framed by red cliffs and the Pine Valley Mountains become a beloved recreation destination.
1987 Huntsman World Senior Games Begin The world's largest multi-sport event for athletes 50+ finds its permanent home in St. George.
1995 Tuacahn Center for the Arts Opens Broadway under the stars — an amphitheater carved into a red rock canyon becomes a world-class arts destination.
1998 Dixie Convention Center & Regional Park Open Event and recreation infrastructure expands — the precursor to what will become Legacy Park and Conference Center.
World-Class Destination
2003 Sand Hollow State Park Opens Emerald waters, red rock cliffs, and expansive OHV trails create one of Utah's most dynamic outdoor playgrounds.
2010 IRONMAN St. George — Inaugural Full-Distance Race Greater Zion enters the global endurance sports stage, drawing elite athletes from around the world.
2011 St. George Regional Airport Opens January 13 — direct flights connect Greater Zion to national markets, transforming destination accessibility.
2013 IRONMAN 70.3 — North American Championship The event earns North American Championship status, putting Greater Zion firmly on the world endurance map.
2021–22 Three World Championships in 13 Months Greater Zion hosts the IRONMAN World Championship and two IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships — an unprecedented achievement for any destination.
2024 Black Desert Championship — PGA Tour Returns to Utah For the first time in over 60 years, the PGA Tour tees off in Utah at the stunning Black Desert Resort.

Get to know the dedicated professionals working to promote tourism and enhance visitor experiences in Washington County.

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Brittany McMichael

Executive Director
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Hiking in Snow Canyon State Park
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Yant Flat
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Heath Hansen

Regional Regulatory Affairs Director
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Mountain biking Zen Trail
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Montezuma Trail
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Joyce Kelly

Sales Manager / Film Commission
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: E-biking in Zion National Park/Springdale
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Scout Cave Trail
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Ed Aurrecoechea

Marketing Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Climbing Prophecy Wall
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Dirt biking the single track in Warner Valley
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Leslie Fonger

Destination Development Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Mountain biking the Cliffrose Trail System
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Temple Quarry Trail
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Matthew Watson

Community & Partner Relations Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Enjoying the culinary delights of Greater Zion
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: E-biking Snow Canyon
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Jamie Allen

Operations Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Paddleboarding on Quail Creek
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Anasazi Petroglyphs
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Joy Schroeder

Meetings, Conventions & Event Sales Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Hiking the Riverside Walk Trail
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Pioneer Park
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Chad McWilliams

Sports & Adventure Sales Manager
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Cycling in Snow Canyon
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Island in the Sky (Permit Required)
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Maree Crowe

Travel Sales Specialist
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Exploring Babylon & Silver Reef
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks in Babylon
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Linné Marsh

Copywriter
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Hiking Upper Emerald Pools in Zion National Park
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Rappelling Yankee Doodle Canyon
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Trista Nielson

Destination Development Coordinator
Favorite Greater Zion Activity: Mountain biking Wire Mesa Loop
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Aviation Arrows around Greater Zion
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Hailen Jackson

Webmaster & Content Specialist
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Tonaquint Nature Center
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April Frost

Visitor Services Specialist
Favorite Greater Zion Hidden Gem: Red Hills Desert Garden