Utah’s five national parks, forty-three state parks, and countless national recreation areas make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. Many Utahns support tourism as it creates thousands of jobs and helps to boost the economy during peak months. Tourism is also a huge part of Utah’s identity and gives the state a positive and welcoming reputation that people all over the world are attracted to. However, local communities greatly affected by tourism, like Moab and Park City, have rising concerns. Heavy tourism creates huge crowds and traffic, which have completely changed the dynamic of these towns and cities. It also has an impact on the environment when tourists misuse and vandalize the land that Utahns have worked so hard to preserve. Tourism is always welcome in Utah, but it’s important to do your research beforehand and leave the land how you found it.