Let’s celebrate the value of tourism in our community and recognize its importance in improving quality of life, from parks to jobs. Tou
rism matters because it has a positive impact on Flagstaff and benefits the community in multiple sectors.
The mission to increase the quality of life for every household in Flagstaff continues for the CVB. The economic impact from visitation is a significant driver of the local economy, supporting an estimated 8,000jobs and delivering $500 million to the local economy. The Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau – and all the businesses in Flagstaff that provide services and support for our visitors – are committed to providing exceptional experiences and hard work to educate, inspire and motivate travel to our beautiful city.
Tourism revenue collected, specifically the Bed, Board and Beverage (BBB) tax of 2 percent, directly and positively impacts the quality of your life by affording you and your family beautiful parks, public art, open space as well as arts and sciences education programing for students.
In FY18, BBB tax collection increased 8.47 percent. The CVB receives a 30 percent BBB allocation to promote Flagstaff as a premier travel destination through marketing, direct sales efforts and media relations while providing exceptional service at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Tourism provides economic stability to the community and annual real tax savings of approximately $1,200 per household.
Flagstaff tourism is growing. Our city has friendly and helpful residents that are often offering guests great tips on places to eat, stay or experience. Many visitors rely on locals for information, and sharing the community with out-of-town guests benefits us all as the BBB supports arts and sciences, beautification, economic development, parks and recreation, and tourism.
Did you know the Flagstaff Visitor Center is a great place to direct visitors, where the well-informed staff can further assist and provide detailed Flagstaff information, maps and suggestions?
Nationally, travel impacts business productivity and individual travelers’ well-being. Travel to and within the U.S. provides significant economic benefits for the nation, generating more than $2.4 trillion in economic output in 2017, with nearly $1 trillion spent directly by travelers. Travel is among the largest of private-sector employers in the U.S., supporting 15.6 million jobs in in 2017, including 8.8 million directly in the travel industry and 6.8 million in other industries.
Leisure travel, which accounts for more than three-quarters of all trips taken in the U.S., spurs countless benefits to travelers’ health and wellness, creativity, cultural awareness, education, happiness, productivity and relationships. Additionally, international travel to the U.S. is the nation’s number one service export, and number two overall. Travel is a pillar of economic growth, creating jobs at a faster rate than other sectors. Save the date and celebrate National Travel and Tourism week May 5-11. FBN
By Meg Roederer
Meg Roederer is the communications specialist at the Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau.
