Governor Doug Ducey, along with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), has proclaimed May 1-7, 2016 as Arizona Travel and Tourism Week. The recognition honors Arizona’s tourism industry as a top revenue generator for the state. Arizona Travel and Tourism Week aligns with the U.S. Travel Associations’ annual celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week.
“Arizona is a great state with unparalleled assets, and tourism highlights the very best of our state and our people to the world,” said Governor Ducey. “As Arizona’s largest export and a vital economic driver, tourism creates thousands of jobs and brings in billions in review all while promoting our reputation as one of the top places in the country to live, work, do business, recreate and retire. I encourage everyone to get out this summer and enjoy the countless reasons why Arizona is a premier travel destination.”
For Arizona, the economic benefits from tourism are far-reaching. In 2014, 40.7 million domestic and international overnight visitors experienced Arizona as a travel destination. Spending generated by these visitors contributed directly to Arizona’s economy, impacting and improving the quality of life for statewide residents. According to early indicators, Arizona is on track for an even stronger impact from 2015 travel activity.
“The benefits of Arizona’s tourism industry are extensive and effective, which is why this industry is so important to the growth of our state’s economic success. ” said Debbie Johnson, AOT director. “Beyond the fiscal impact, and at the heart of it all, is an industry that is about making memories. Arizona is a beautiful state where millions of people choose to visit. Arizona Travel and Tourism Week is about celebrating the fact that our state is a destination where both residents and visitors alike can enjoy unique travel moments and create life-long memories.”
In recognition of the week, the Arizona Office of Tourism will be promoting summertime travel to residents by passing out Random Acts of Sunshine at select Valley-wide locations. Random Acts of Sunshine include promotional items and gift cards to statewide attractions donated by industry-related partners.
In addition to the national recognition, AOT’s celebration complements many other Arizona Travel and Tourism Week events occurring in various communities throughout the state including: Flagstaff, Gilbert, Hopi, Navajo Nation, Prescott, Sierra Vista, Tucson, and Yuma.
To further promote the week, the agency also partnered with the Arizona Department of Transportation to create travel-related messages to place on the statewide Dynamic Message Signs. Messages such as ” SLOW DOWN, ENJOY THE DRIVE, EXPLORE ARIZONA” and “SKIP THE COMMUTE, TAKE A ROAD TRIP, EXPLORE ARIZONA” will rotate with other road safety messages on 80-100 highway boards throughout the week to encourage Arizona residents to start planning their summer vacations.
As Arizona’s only statewide marketing agency promoting the Grand Canyon State, AOT produces various year-round advertising campaigns promoting Arizona as a vibrant travel and tourism destination to increase visitation and the benefits of visitor spending.
For fun ideas while you’re here in Arizona, or for fun staycation ideas head to our Experience AZ section.
