Governor Jan Brewer today has joined the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) in commemorating the U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week in Arizona. The celebration – held May 5-13, 2012 – will recognize the tourism industry for its economic contributions and for the vital role it plays in the growth and stability of our State and Nation.
To support and enhance the impact of the Arizona tourism industry, Governor Brewer and the State Legislature plan to spend $7 million in the Arizona Office of Tourism for fiscal year 2013. This funding will enable the AOT to expand the promotion of Arizona as a premier travel destination, generating job growth and lasting economic development statewide.
“Arizona is a world class tourist destination, thanks to our year-round climate, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture,” said Governor Brewer. “With these additional dollars to promote and market our State around the world, we can help ensure that tourism remains a key producer of jobs and development for Arizona. I am happy to commemorate National Travel and Tourism Week in honor of an industry responsible for benefitting the lives and livelihoods of so many Arizonans.”
In Arizona, the travel and tourism industry serves as one of our most significant economic drivers, bringing millions of visitors to the State annually. In 2010, nearly 37 million national and international visitors experienced Arizona as a travel destination, spending $17.7 billion throughout the State. On a daily basis, that equates to nearly $48 million in contributions to the State economy.
The tourism industry produces revenue in all 15 Arizona counties, totaling $2.5 billion in local, State and federal tax revenues. Additionally, the Arizona tourism industry employs more than 152,000 Arizona residents. Combined with the secondary employment that is generated, nearly 300,000 Arizona residents are impacted by this vibrant industry throughout the state. The Arizona tourism industry’s 2011 economic impact and visitation data will be released by AOT at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism on July 12 and 13, 2012.
Increased promotional funding will allow Arizona to compete with other states for tourism visitation and spending. Specifically, AOT plans to fund new marketing programs, including: a national marketing effort; an initiative to capture emerging international visitor markets such as China and Brazil; and a rural Arizona cooperative marketing program designed to encourage visitors to travel throughout rural Arizona.
“By showcasing our State’s wonderful assets – whether climate, culture, heritage or economic opportunity – we can encourage the tourist activity that is so vital to our State’s overall strength and vitality,” said AOT Director Sherry Henry. “As our agency works to promote Arizona’s vibrant urban, rural and tribal travel destinations to domestic and international markets, this funding will help us leverage our marketing dollars, stay competitive against other travel destinations and gain those valuable visitor dollars.”
Governor Brewer and the Arizona Office of Tourism encourage statewide residents to explore Arizona this summer. Discover the reasons why millions of visitors choose the Grand Canyon State as their preferred travel destination.
For more information regarding what to see and do in Arizona, please visit www.arizonaguide.com. For more information on the Arizona Office of Tourism, visit www.azot.gov.