Tourism Honoree: Airlines Serving Arizona

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines - Best of the Best Awards 2009 presented by Ranking Arizona
Photograph by Duane Darling

It all began on a cocktail napkin more than 38 years ago. Attorney Herb Kelleher and businessman Rollin King sketched Southwest Airlines’ original route structure connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, which officially created the low-fare category in the airline industry. Today, Southwest has become the nation’s largest airline in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, serving 65 airports in 33 states. Southwest provides more than just air travel to the communities it serves. By attracting new customers with low fares and high frequency, Southwest creates jobs for residents and revenue for the airports and cities it serves — a phenomenon dubbed “the Southwest Effect.” Southwest has been a maverick in the industry and a model for excellence in American business.

Guided by visionary leadership, Southwest has managed to remain profitable through some of the country’s most turbulent times.

3800 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix
800-I-FLY-SWA
www.southwest.com

Year Est: 1982
AZ Staff: 4,000+
Parent Company HQ: Dallas, Texas
Destinations out of AZ: 64


Tourism Finalist: Meeting/Convention: 43,999 SQ FT or less

The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix

The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix is the premier luxury business hotel in Arizona, acclaimed for its warm hospitality and impeccable, personalized service. More than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event facilities accommodate groups from 10 to 500 guests. The 14 meeting rooms and outdoor Poolside Terrace create an ideal setting for events.

2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-468-0700
www.ritzcarlton.com


Tourism Finalist: Resorts/Hotels: 184 rooms or fewer

Royal Palms Resort & Spa

Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a Spanish Mediterranean-style estate that offers 119 guestrooms, casitas and suites. The Royal Palms combines the graciousness and sophistication of a Mediterranean villa with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded retreat. With its unique ambience, stone fireplaces, and mountain views, the resort offers the award-winning T. Cook’s restaurant, Mobil Four-Star Alvadora Spa and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-840-3610
www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com


Best of the Best Awards 2009 presented by Ranking Arizona