A flight from Paris, France, to Salt Lake City has done well for the destination resorts of Utah. With that in mind, Utah tourism officials are eagerly supporting a potential flight from Tokyo.
As in Europe, the North American West is a hot commodity in Asia, tourism officials tell The Park Record. But important is whether the U.S. dollar remains low relative to the Japanese yen.
Delta Air Lines is considering starting direct flight service from its hub in Salt Lake City to Tokyo.
Yesterday the Governor’s Office of Economic Development said it agreed to give Delta $250,000 after the airline brought up the idea. That money would be added to a $2 million incentive package being funded by local businesses and governments to lure the new connection.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black says the company is considering adding the route because of the success it has had in offering direct flights from Salt Lake City to Paris.
State officials say that if Delta accepts the incentives offer, flights to Tokyo could begin next year.
The state also says the flight could lead to business opportunities not only in Japan, but also South Korea and China. Officials believe it could bring $90 million and 1,100 new jobs to Utah.
A host of politicians cut the ribbon on the newly expanded 800 North in Orem. The orange barrels are gone, and there are now six wide-open lanes to take motorists to and from the freeway to near the mouth of Provo Canyon. This will be great for Utah tourism as well, as the Provo Canyon is a prime spot with 
The County Commission and the City Council approved an agreement Tuesday that would allow county residents to use the fairground and its amenities, including the equestrian facilities, at the same cost as city residents. In return, the county will pay half the costs to maintain the fairgrounds and rodeo arena, as well as make Spanish Fork the permanent home of the Utah County Fair – at least until 2058. Utah County also agreed to deed more than 11 acres of land on the east side of the fairgrounds to the city.