Governor Doug Ducey, along with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), has proclaimed May 2-10, 2015 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 coincides with the U.S. Travel Association’s annual celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week.

“I’ve always said that Arizona is a premier place to live, work, play, recreate, retire and get an education – and our goal is to make sure the world continues to see that,” said Governor Ducey. “Travel and tourism is by far one of our most crucial industries and economic drivers – and with the historic success of hosting the most-viewed Super Bowl this February, Arizona truly was the center of the universe. I’m proud to continue showcasing our great state with Travel and Tourism Week.”

For Arizona, the economic benefits from tourism are far-reaching. In 2013, 39.1 Million domestic and international overnight visitors experienced Arizona as a travel destination. Spending generated by these visitors contributed directly to Arizona’s economy.

In 2013, visitors traveling to and throughout Arizona generated:

  • $19.8 Billion in direct travel spending;
  • 163,500 industry-related jobs, and when combined with indirect employment, direct travel spending impacts more than 300,000 jobs;
  • $5.4 Billion in earnings for Arizonans employed in tourism-related jobs;
  • $2.7 Billion in local, state and federal tax revenues providing a $1,100 tax break per Arizona household, and;
  • $1.6 Billion in local and state tax revenues, which were nearly enough to cover the wages of all police officers, secondary school teachers and firefighters employed within the entire State of Arizona.

AOT will release the 2014 Arizona Travel Impact report and visitation data at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism June 22 -24, 2015.

“Jobs, earnings and taxes generated by Arizona’s travel and tourism activities make this industry one of the State’s most important economic engines,” said Sherry Henry, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “As a leading export-oriented industry for Arizona, this industry brings new money into our economy, significantly contributing to our state’s overall health and vitality.”

In recognition of the week, the Arizona Office of Tourism is launching its Summer in AZ advertising campaign to inspire Arizonans to start planning their summer vacations. For ideas on what to see and do in Arizona, summer fun itineraries are available on the campaign website, summerinaz.com.

Governor Ducey and AOT encourage all residents to explore Arizona this summer and discover the reasons why millions of visitors choose the Grand Canyon State as their vacation destination.

For more information regarding the Arizona experience, please visit visitarizona.com. For more information on the Arizona Office of Tourism, visit tourism.az.gov.