A Moab business owner has expressed legitimate concern about the decline in foreign visitors to Utah, marking the first time in a long period that such worry has been voiced.
True
It’s the first time in a long time that I’m legitimately concerned,” one Moab business owner said about foreign visitors staying away from Utah.
Inside Moab : First-time Visitors
Source: tripadvisor.com
At a glance
Verified August 12, 2025Key Evidence
Ryan, a Moab business owner, stated it is the first time in a long time he is legitimately concerned about the drop in foreign visitors.
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Nearly half of Utah’s foreign tourism comes from Canada, and their absence this year has been keenly felt by local businesses.
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The Salt Lake Tribune and other news outlets have documented the economic impact on Moab restaurants and resorts due to fewer international tourists.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
The statement reflects a current and genuine concern among Moab business owners regarding the downturn in foreign tourism. According to recent reports from August 2025, some local businesses in Moab are experiencing fewer foreign visitors, which is impacting their revenue and causing worry about future sustainability. This sentiment is notable because it marks a shift from previous years when tourism was more robust and less concerning for local businesses.
Key factors contributing to this decline include:
A significant drop in Canadian tourists, who historically make up nearly half of Utah's foreign visitors.
Broader national and local tourism declines affecting businesses reliant on international travelers.
Economic and possibly geopolitical factors influencing travel decisions of foreign tourists.
This concern is not isolated but part of a broader trend impacting the local economy, as reported by multiple sources covering the tourism sector in Moab and Utah at large.
Primary trail
Verified Sources7
Open source