Flagstaff tourism officials are joining state officials in recognizing the value of the tourism officials in Arizona.
Jacki Lenners tells FBN there are activites the entire week. “We kicked off National Tourism Week with an event at our Visitor Center on Saturday in honor of National Train Day. Throughout the week, our staff at the Visitor Center and Airport will be wearing “Tourism Matters to Flagstaff” shirts, and all of the Economic Vitality staff will wear them on Friday,” said Lenners. Her department is also using social media outlets to remind people about the importance of tourism in Flagstaff and in the region.
Governor Jan Brewer, and the Arizona Office of Tourism, have proclaimed May 7-14, 2011, Arizona Travel and Tourism Week to honor the industry’s economic contributions. Arizona travel and Tourism Week coincides with the U.S. Travel Association’s nationwide promotion of National Travel and Tourism Week.
“Arizona’s tourism industry continues to be an economic driver thanks to the state’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and success it has had in hosting folks from all over the country for events such as the BCS Championship Series and Cactus League games,” said Governor Brewer. “Evidence of the economic impact of this dynamic industry in the state of Arizona is far-reaching, making travel and tourism a vital component to keeping Arizona’s economy moving forward.”
According to Smith Travel Research, year-to-date statewide lodging indicators (occupancy; average daily rate; revenue per available room, demand; and supply) are demonstrating improved numbers over 2010. Among the positive indicators: March 2011 statewide occupancy volume is at 65.2 percent, a 5.8 percent increase over this time in 2010. The average daily rate is $108.14, up 2.0 percent. Revenue per available room is $70.45, a 7.9 percent increase; demand is up 6.7 percent, while supply is up 0.9 percent. Additionally, preliminary data from industry researcher Tourism Economics indicates that, through the third quarter of 2010, there was a 3 percent increase in Arizona’s domestic overnight visitation over 2009. Additional 2010 economic impact and visitation data will be released at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in mid-July.
“Tourism is important to our state and is the only export industry generating revenue throughout all Arizona counties,” said Sherry Henry, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Unlike any other export industry, travel and tourism-related earnings are spread throughout the entire state and have shown a relatively consistent growth, exerting a stabilizing effect on the Arizona economy.”
From road trips, outdoor experiences and sporting events to luxury resorts, arts and authentic local cuisine, Arizona has exciting travel adventures unlike any other location in the world. The attractions bring millions of visitors to the Grand Canyon State every year.
In 2009, more than 35 million visitors spent $16.6 billion throughout the state, contributing nearly $45 million each day into Arizona’s economy. The industry, which produces revenue in all 15 Arizona counties, is also responsible for generating $2.4 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues. Additionally, the Arizona tourism industry directly employs more than 150,000 Arizona residents. Combined with the secondary employment that is generated, more than 290,000 Arizona residents are impacted by this dynamic industry.
To kickoff Arizona Travel and Tourism Week and encourage travelers to discover Arizona, the Arizona Office of Tourism is launching the agency’s popular in-state summer travel promotion: ValueAZ. ValueAZ s a one-stop-Web site listing travel deals and packages that can be found throughout the Grand Canyon State this summer. As a new component of the ValueAZ promotion, many of the travel deals and packages listed will feature Arizona’s Centennial theme.
Also, in collaboration with the Governor’s Task Force on Tourism and Economic Vitality, the Office of Tourism will launch: “ Arizona Calling – Share Something Amazing,” an ePostcard campaign featuring iconic Arizona images. With customizable messages, email ePostcards can be sent to friends and family around the globe at no cost.
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