Governor and Arizona Office of Tourism celebrate National Travel and Tourism week | Events

Governor Jan Brewer, along with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) helped kick off National Travel and Tourism week on May 7. The celebration will be May 5-13, and recognizes the economic impact and contributions the tourism industry has had on Arizona's growth and stability as a state.

The Governor and the State Legislature will be spending close to $7 million on AOT for fiscal year 2013.  This funding will enable AOT to expand and promote Arizona as a premier travel destination, as well as generating job growth and a lasting economic development statewide.

“Arizona is a world class tourist destination, thanks to our year-round climate, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture,” said Governor Brewer. “With these additional dollars to promote and market our State around the world, we can help ensure that tourism remains a key producer of jobs and development for Arizona. I am happy to commemorate National Travel and Tourism Week in honor of an industry responsible for benefitting the lives and livelihoods of so many Arizonans.” 

In Arizona, the travel and tourism industry serves as one of the state's most significant economic drivers, bringing millions of visitors in annually. In 2010, nearly 37 million national and international visitors experienced Arizona as a travel destination, spending $17.7 billion throughout the State. On a daily basis, that equates to nearly $48 million in contributions to the State economy.

The tourism industry also produces revenue in all 15 Arizona counties, totaling $2.5 billion in local, State and federal tax revenues. Additionally, the Arizona tourism industry employs more than 152,000 Arizona residents. Combined with the secondary employment that is generated, nearly 300,000 Arizona residents are impacted by this vibrant industry throughout the state. The Arizona tourism industry’s 2011 economic impact and visitation data will be released by AOT at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism on July 12 and 13.

This increase in promotional funding will allow Arizona to compete with other states for tourism visitation and spending. Specifically, AOT plans to fund new marketing programs, including: a national marketing effort; an initiative to capture emerging international visitor markets such as China and Brazil; and a rural Arizona cooperative marketing program designed to encourage visitors to travel throughout rural Arizona.

“By showcasing our State’s wonderful assets – whether climate, culture, heritage or economic opportunity – we can encourage the tourist activity that is so vital to our State’s overall strength and vitality,” said AOT Director Sherry Henry. “As our agency works to promote Arizona’s vibrant urban, rural and tribal travel destinations to domestic and international markets, this funding will help us leverage our marketing dollars, stay competitive against other travel destinations and gain those valuable visitor dollars.”

Governor Brewer and the Arizona Office of Tourism encourage statewide residents to explore Arizona this summer. Discover the reasons why millions of visitors choose the Grand Canyon State as their preferred travel destination.     

For more information regarding what to see and do in Arizona, please visit www.arizonaguide.com. For more information on the Arizona Office of Tourism, visit www.azot.gov.