Utah Honors Three Leaders in Tourism Hall of Fame
Sen. Evan Vickers, Nathan Rafferty and Shayne Wittwer were inducted as 2026 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame members during the Utah Tourism Conference in Park City.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Hotels
The Utah Office of Tourism and the Utah Tourism Industry Association recognized Sen. Evan Vickers, Nathan Rafferty and Shayne Wittwer as 2026 inductees into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame. The honorees were recognized at an induction ceremony held during the annual Utah Tourism Conference.
Why it matters
The Hall of Fame honors individuals whose leadership and longstanding contributions have strengthened tourism in their communities, regions and across the state. The recognition highlights the role of long-serving industry and government figures in shaping Utah's tourism sector.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1985, and Ski Utah represents 15 ski resorts statewide. Nathan Rafferty has led Ski Utah as president and CEO since 2005, after joining as an intern in 1994.
The players
Utah Tourism Industry Association
The Utah Tourism Industry Association is the statewide organization that co-recognized the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees with the state tourism office.
Evan Vickers
Evan Vickers is a Utah state senator and longtime Cedar City pharmacist who has served in the Legislature since 2009.
Nathan Rafferty
Nathan Rafferty is the president and CEO of Ski Utah, the organization representing the state's 15 ski resorts.
Shayne Wittwer
Shayne Wittwer leads Wittwer Hospitality, a Utah family hospitality business with roots dating to 1948.
The details
The induction ceremony took place at the annual Utah Tourism Conference, held October 13-16 at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City. Sen. Evan Vickers, a longtime Cedar City pharmacist and business owner, has served in the Utah Legislature since 2009, including as Senate majority leader, and chairs the Tourism Outdoor Utah Recreation Caucus. Shayne Wittwer leads Wittwer Hospitality, a family business with a legacy dating to 1948.
Timeline
1985: The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame is established.
1994: Nathan Rafferty joins Ski Utah as an intern.
2005: Rafferty becomes Ski Utah president and CEO.
2009: Evan Vickers begins serving in the Utah Legislature.
October 13-16: Induction ceremony held at the Utah Tourism Conference in Park City.
Roadmap
The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame, established in 1985, has recognized leaders who shaped the state's visitor economy for four decades. The 2026 class continues that tradition by honoring industry and legislative figures whose careers span tourism marketing, ski industry promotion and hospitality.
Travelers planning Utah trips can expect continued emphasis on tourism leadership and promotion across the state's resorts and hospitality businesses. The recognition reflects the ongoing industry work that shapes visitor experiences statewide.
The takeaway
Long-term leadership in hospitality and tourism has a lasting effect on how visitors experience Utah's destinations. Travelers benefit when industry figures invest decades in promoting the state's resorts and hotels.
Further reading
Explore more hotel news and industry developments across Utah.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cedar City News.
