Tourism Tuesday
N O V E M B E R 8, 2 0 2 2
Photo: Arizona Indian Festival
Good afternoon,
The indigenous cultures who have called Arizona home for thousands of years continue to make their mark on the state in significant ways – from ancient petroglyphs and sacred ruins to traditional foods, art and handmade goods.
Today, 22 nations/tribes/communities call our shared state home. November is Native American Heritage Month – an ideal time to venture out and experience the history, lands, cultures and contributions of these distinct tribal nations.
Our brand-new brochure, Experience Indian Country Adventures in Arizona, is a perfect planning companion!
This guide makes it easy to explore by using a statewide regional approach. For example, the North Central Arizona section features travel information for lodging and attractions for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tonto Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Each section includes a quick introduction, plus information on lodging, activities and amenities for tribes in that area. A prominent introductory page on Indian country etiquette and a calendar of events plus direct contact information for each tribe will have Arizonans and travelers planning a trip in no time!
This great new resource is available now for individual travelers and Arizona Visitor Information Centers to both view digitally and order printed copies.
And after an amazing experience of a different kind for Arizonans and visitors – NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway – I’d like to congratulate Latasha Causey, who was announced as new track president on Nov. 1. Special thanks to Julie Giese for her work in positioning Arizona as a premier NASCAR destination. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with Latasha and the entire Phoenix Raceway team to deliver the best of Arizona excitement and hospitality for race fans.
Have a great week!
Debbie Johnson
Director, Arizona Office of Tourism
@AZTourismNews
AOT In Action
Black Diamond Selected as AOT's Trade and Media UK Representation Agency
After a competitive procurement process, Black Diamond, the UK’s leading travel and tourism specialist, has been selected as AOT's Trade and Media representation agency in the UK. Black Diamond will continue to grow awareness of Arizona and its tourism assets to the UK traveler through various media and travel trade initiatives focusing on key attractions and sustainable tourism messaging. These include joint marketing activities with tour operators and airlines, agent training and direct-to-consumer campaigns, industry and consumer communications, an extensive press trip program, influencer campaigns and social media support. For more information please contact Joanna Tejeda (Trade) at jtejeda@tourism.az.gov or Kim Todd (Media) ktodd@tourism.az.gov
AOT Hosts International Journalist
Irish journalist John Greene, on assignment for The Sunday Independent, visited our state last week to explore the wonders of southern Arizona. Thank you to our partners including Visit Tucson, Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee and Sierra Vista who hosted John and helped make his trip a success.
Updated Industry Research Now Available
The following report is available on tourism.az.gov.
- National Parks Visitation, July 2022 - preliminary
DATA SUMMARY: Preliminary data shows that July 2022 national park visitation was down 41% compared to July 2021. Year-to-Date visitation is down 29.9%.
For the latest and historical tourism indicator reports, please visit the Data and Trends page on tourism.az.gov.
Upcoming Events
ILTM Cannes Luxury Travel Trade Show
December 5-8
ILTM Cannes is a sales and marketing opportunity for travel specialists looking to break into the luxury travel market. The trade show consists of highly curated meetings between the region’s most exclusive and sought-after travel designers and the world’s finest hospitality brands.
News
Latasha Causey will be Next Track President at Phoenix Raceway
Arizona Republic
Latasha Causey has been chosen to succeed Julie Giese as track president of Phoenix Raceway, making her the first female African American in NASCAR history to assume the position.
US Travel Recovery Is in Full Swing One Year After Border Reopening
Travel Pulse
November 8 is the anniversary of the U.S. opening its borders to international travelers. A year later, says Christopher Thompson, CEO of Brand USA, “the overall story is really positive.”
The Trends That Will Transform the Travel Industry in 2023
Travel Pulse
Shedding light on a rapidly evolving industry, travel technology company Amadeus has revealed the new and changing developments that will play a part in shaping travel over the coming year.
How Hotel Booking Trends Are Shifting, According to New Phocuswright Research
TravelAge West
The U.S. Consumer Travel 2022: Shopping and Booking report indicates that travelers are more concerned with sustainability, travel style and budget as they choose their accommodations.
Did You Know?
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, the wedding-cake-style house visible from the 202 freeway, was intended to be a resort. In 1930, Alessio Carraro, inspired by medieval Italian castles, built the house himself expecting it to be the centerpiece of an upscale hotel and housing development. But, Carraro’s plans were sidelined when Edward A. Tovrea bought land nearby to build a meatpacking plant. Carraro packed up and moved, leaving the castle in disrepair. Tovrea bought it, naming the castle for himself and lived there for several years until his death. His wife, Della, continued to live in the house until 1969. The city of Phoenix bought the house in 1993, completed a total restoration of the house and surrounding cactus garden and opened it up for tours in 2012. Photo: Visit Phoenix
