City reports strong tourism numbers, airport improvements, business incentives.
“We have continued to create a vibrant community with revenue-driven programming,” said Hansen as she thanked Airport Director Barney Helmick, Community Investment Director David McIntire, Interim Library Director Richard Tutwiler, and Convention and Visitors Bureau and Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward. “We are very proud of the fact that we are putting businesses to work and we are putting people to work.”
Flagstaff Airport had 118,453 passengers board planes in the past year, a 37% increase in passenger travel, as the city still recovers from the impacts of COVID-19. Hansen expressed great disappointment regarding the loss of United Airlines and its service to Denver, set to end in February.
“When we secured the airline, we said we would work hard to make them successful and we did just that – me, you, everybody in this room – we filled those planes. We filled them daily,” she said to the attendees at High Country Conference Center. “We had a 90% load factor. And even now that we know they’re pulling out, Barney [Helmick] shared with me it’s still over 80%. But even with all that, we can’t do anything about a national pilot, crew and plane shortage. So, what do we do? We realize brighter days are ahead and we do our best to secure other partnerships.”
The City of Flagstaff currently is scheduled for an airline conference this month and another one after that. Meanwhile, $18.2 million in federal funding is being invested into airport maintenance and improvements, including a paid parking system for the new parking lot, which is expected to open soon, the installment of electric vehicle charging stations and hangar repairs.
The city also has increased its airport social media messaging and launched a new website, FlyFlagstaffAZ.com
Hansen also reported that visitation to the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library has doubled to nearly 1,000 people per day. “We’ve had the most successful summer reading program that we’ve ever had, we’re helping people get resumes put together and we’re putting people back to work.”
Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward thanked the business and non-profit community as “tourism partners” welcoming and serving visitors. “You risk your own livelihoods to start these businesses, you work tirelessly to run these businesses, you create jobs and support the community and you help facilitate cultural exchanges with millions of people.”
He said Discover Flagstaff continues marketing efforts to restore international visitation and rebuild the business meetings and conventions market. “We understand that the community places a lot of trust in us as the team to tell the story of a small, yet captivating city perched at 7,000 feet at the foot of the highest mountain range in Arizona, a destination that truly fits in well with the current zeitgeist of the traveling, adventurous family and couple. With awe-inspiring dark skies, a historical role in the lunar landings, high-altitude training, Route 66 nostalgia, unique restaurants, award-winning breweries and a city known for seven natural wonders that surround it, we’re so good at welcoming visitors.”
Also at the meeting, High Country Motor Lodge, the three Flagstaff National Monuments and High Country Conference Center were honored for their sustainable practices. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
For monthly updates on the economic vitality division, email hhansen@flagstaffaz.gov to be added to the recipient list.
