Park City, Summit Co. adopt plan to prioritize sustainable tourism

In a joint meeting of the Summit County Council and the Park City Council, a Sustainable Tourism Plan for Summit County was adopted. The plan was presented by the Park City Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau, which took action to develop a roadmap that would prioritize sustainable tourism. Initiatives tackled in the plan include preserving natural resources and supporting the local community amid an influx of visitors.{mprestriction ids="1,3"} The chamber said the renewed vision for the future of Park City and Summit County’s tourism sector strikes a balance between protecting the environment and residents’ quality of life while also promoting a thriving economy.

“The chamber worked hand-in-hand with the Stewardship Council to strategize a method to allow our local economy to reap the benefits of a blossoming tourism industry while still protecting the foundation of our communities,” said Betsy Wallace, who served as board chair of the Chamber & Visitors Bureau as the plan was being developed. “The 22 members on the Stewardship Council represented the voices of local residents, small- business owners, art and environmental groups, major ski resorts and equity stakeholders, ensuring the plan captured the genuine needs and concerns of local residents. We are so appreciative of those that provided helpful input and direction for Park City and Summit County’s renewed tourism vision. We are thrilled to share this plan with the public.”

In a news release, the council said the plan specifies actions related to:

• Implementing sustainable transportation, housing, water, energy and waste policies.

• Promoting responsible use and management of trails and nature recreation areas.

• Fostering tourism focused on arts and culture.

• Encouraging visitors to participate in the plan to enforce its success.

• Re-energizing the Green Business Certification program.

• Discussing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives surrounding workforce, housing and transportation issues.

The Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau also announced that Morgan Mingle has been hired as the chamber’s first director of sustainable tourism, a newly created role to provide leadership in addressing and facilitating the Sustainable Tourism Plan.{/mprestriction}