ST. GEORGE, Utah — A number of towns across Southern Utah are preparing for a busy spring break. It comes as Salt Lake City International Airport reports a surge in visitors, indicating good things are ahead for Utah hotels and businesses.

Tourism is alive in Southern Utah

The coronavirus pandemic shocked the tourism industry last spring. Although, many spots in the southern part of the state were actually able to find their footing. 

“By the end of August, September and October we were having record-breaking visitation,” explained Kevin Lewis, director of the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office. 

He says visitors kept booking hotels throughout the winter, making December another record-breaking month.

According to him, southwest Utah should stay just as busy, if not more so, this spring.

“This is a place people like to be in the spring when the sun comes out and so they’re coming like usual,” says Lewis. “I think you’re going to find things here pretty close to normal. I would encourage people to continue to be safe and smart as they go about so that we can get back to complete normal.”

More people booking flights

Meanwhile, officials with the Salt Lake City International Airport say more people are booking flights across the country this spring.

Right now, the airport is averaging 15,000 travelers a day. That number is actually closer to 20,000 on peak travel days, like Fridays.

Additionally, plenty of reservations are coming in for this fall and winter, even as far out as 2022.

“It is a great time to be planning when the prices are low and the promotions and giveaways are at record highs,” said Columbus Travel CEO Larry Gelwix.

It should be noted, if you aren’t fully vaccinated, the CDC still doesn’t recommend traveling. If you do, they recommend getting tested for the coronavirus before and after you travel.