Arizona Monthly Media Brief

May 2022

Photo: Lost Dutchman State Park, Courtesy Arizona State Parks and Trails

Dear Industry Friends,

The Arizona Office of Tourism is pleased to provide this monthly update of new and noteworthy items regarding Arizona’s tourism industry. Please use this link to access all images. We have resumed press trips for journalists on assignment, if you are interested in visiting Arizona for a story, please reach out to IT Public Relations in NYC via the contact information below.

For more information, contact:

• Becky Blaine at bblaine@tourism.az.gov

• Kim Todd at ktodd@tourism.az.gov

• Marjorie Magnusson at mmagnusson@tourism.az.gov

• Joanna Tejeda at jtejeda@tourism.az.gov

• U.S. PR Agency of Record: IT PR NYC - Janet Mick at jmick@itpublicrelations.com

AOT News

Arizona Office of Tourism Launches Digital Travel Tool - AZ Parks Passport

The grandeur of Arizona’s 50+ parks, monuments and recreation areas is now even easier to explore with the release of the new digital AZ Parks Passport from the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT). Just in time to kick off 2022 National Park Week on April 16, the pass delivers trip ideas, directions, and even the chance to win great prizes right in the palm of your hand. Access to the free passport is delivered instantly to phones and mobile devices after a quick sign-up on AZParksPassport.com. Users gain access to descriptions, maps, and directions to Arizona parks, plus a fun way to choose a park to visit (park admission not included). For those who just want to experience the diverse beauty of Arizona, parks are also divided into categories such as “colorful canyons,” “dark sky wonders,” “lush landscapes” and several more.

Media Contact: Josh Coddington, Arizona Office of Tourism
P: (480) 438-4700
E: jcoddington@tourism.az.gov

Heritage Trail to Promote Dude Ranches Across Arizona

Governor Doug Ducey recently signed legislation to help preserve and promote Arizona’s dude ranches and the unique experiences they deliver to Arizonans and thousands of visitors each year.  HB2398, sponsored by Rep. Tim Dunn of Yuma, creates the Arizona Dude Ranch Heritage Trail Program, which provides a framework for highlighting the historical essence that guests can expect at Arizona’s statewide collection of dude and guest ranches. The Arizona Dude Ranch Heritage Trail program will be housed within the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of Arizona State Parks and Trails.This legislation follows a series of efforts by the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) spotlighting Arizona’s amazing dude and guest ranches as ideal destinations for travelers seeking beautiful scenery, wide-open spaces and natural settings. Additional efforts include:

• AOT recently released a new video highlighting the people, scenes and experiences awaiting visitors to Arizona’s dude and guest ranches throughout the state.

• AOT is partnering with Local First Arizona to produce a Small Wonders map featuring all Arizona dude and guest ranches. Heritage Trail program participants will receive a special designation on the map. 

Media Contact: Josh Coddington, Arizona Office of Tourism
P: (480) 438-4700
E: jcoddington@tourism.az.gov

Vacation Ambassadors to Highlight Unique Arizona Trips for 2022 National Travel & Tourism Week

To celebrate 2022 National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the Arizona Office of Tourism invited travelers to explore Arizona through the images, itineraries and experiences of five vacation ambassadors who visited different regions of the state. Users were invited to follow along on Instagram @visit_arizona during NTTW (May 1-7) for collaborative posts from our travel influencers featuring the activities people come to Arizona for–including rest & relaxation, outdoor adventures, amazing cuisine, luxury experiences, and family fun. New adventures were shared each day from different parts of the state using the hashtag #LetsSeeAZ.

Media Contact: Josh Coddington, Arizona Office of Tourism
P: (480) 438-4700
E: jcoddington@tourism.az.gov

Attractions 

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (FLG X), the largest zip line and adventure course in the United States, celebrates its 10th Anniversary of operation in 2022

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (FLG X) proudly celebrates 10 years of operation in 2022. FLG X is honored to mark this milestone with a slew of events, promotions, and community connections.  With over 4,000,000 zip line runs completed and the largest zip line and adventure courses in the United States, FLG X has become the destination of choice for tourists and in-state travelers alike. Through strategic partnerships, FLG X and Coconino County continue to innovate and encourage local entrepreneurism–with key developments in 2022 including updates to course elements, charitable donations, and social media promotions. FLG X has consistently improved, updated, and changed the Courses over the years and continues to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep FLG X the place to come.

Media Contact: Paul Kent, Owner, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
P: (480)-213-7231   
E: paul@flagstaffextreme.com 

Culinary

The Barley Hound Enters New Era with Elevated Menu & Executive Chef

The Barley Hound, Prescott’s beloved first gastropub and an original concept by Vivili Hospitality Group, recently debuted a brand-new menu complete with its most upscale offerings yet in a new era underscored by elevated comfort food from Executive Chef Tony Burris. Helming The Barley Hound since October 2021, Burris has a history of distinguishing the restaurant for its innovative creations. Originally hailing from The Beef State, the Nebraska native has a natural affinity for crafting quality meat recipes, such as The Barley Hound’s famed ‘Merica Burger and Duck Burger. The recently renovated restaurant is also expanding its hours and days of operation. The Barley Hound is now open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM For more information or to make a reservation, visit thebarleyhound.com. 

Media Contacts:
J. Lauren PR & Marketing
Jessica Urgiles | P: 480-634-0250 | E: jessica@jlaurenpr.com
Jan Bracamonte | P: 480-540-3842 | E: jan@jlaurenpr.com

Events

Capturing ‘A Night in Flagstaff’ with Non-Fungible Tokens

Flagstaff, Arizona is the first and only destination in the country to enter the non-fungible tokens market with the original NFT collection, “A Night in Flagstaff.” The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, in collaboration with Discover Flagstaff, featured “70 images for $700 each from 7,000 feet,” dropped on the NFT calendar Thursday, April 21, to coincide with the peak of the 2022 Lyrid meteor shower and to help launch Dark-Sky Week (April 22 – 30), as designated by Governor Doug Ducey. The collection, “A Night in Flagstaff” is a limited series of 70 NFTs, each minted as a one-of-a-kind moment-in-time capturing the star-filled skies over Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park, a location less than two miles from Flagstaff City Hall. Proceeds from the NFT sales will support the Northern Arizona EONS (Eyes on Night Skies) research program, an effort to measure and monitor sky brightness. Those interested in purchasing an NFT in the collection, “A Night in Flagstaff,” may do so by creating an OpenSea account.

PR Contact:  Bonnie Stevens, Executive Director, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition
P: (928)-380-4349
E: bonnie.stevens@gmail.com

Visit Mesa Launches Deal Passport in Time for Summer Vacation

In celebration of U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel & Tourism Week, visitors and locals can find curated deals and offers from local businesses all in one spot with the brand-new Visit Mesa Deals Passport, featuring some of Mesa’s most beloved spots and Arizona’s popular attractions. To get the pass, participants will receive a text message after signing up on the Visit Mesa Deals website. This text message will contain a link that will instantly provide them with access to the passport. To redeem deals within the passport, participants present the offer on their phone at the place of business. The passport is organized into leisure categories including food, drinks, activities, and shopping. Deals and businesses will constantly be updated to provide the newest and best offerings in Mesa.

PR Contact: Michelle Streeter, Visit Mesa
P: 480-682-3638 
E: michelle@visitmesa.com

Flight Service 

PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Updates - Come Fly with Us 

Looking to travel? Many airlines have added or restarted routes giving you even more options as you plan your travel.

Air Canada resumed twice-weekly flights between Montreal and Phoenix on May 3, operating year-round.

To see a list of all the places you can fly from PHX, visit our Where We Fly page.
Haven’t traveled in a while? Check out our COVID-19 page for airport updates.

Hotel News

The Aloha Reimagined: From Outdated Motel to Chic Roadside Stay for the Modern Traveler

Say hello to the latest redevelopment project in Chandler. The Aloha, a classic Arizona motel that had seen better days, has now been transformed into a 26-room boutique motel for the modern traveler.  Located at 445 N. Arizona Avenue, the motel is perfectly situated for visitors wanting to explore downtown Chandler and the surrounding area. The Aloha is not just a classic motel experience. The project was designed with modern functionality in mind, leveraging technology to streamline processes and optimize the guest experience. Aardvark Partners has been hired to manage operations. In addition to creating an intriguing place for visitors and travelers to stay as they explore Chandler and the surrounding area, investors John Hylton and Bill Simmonds believe the redevelopment of The Aloha will make the neighborhood better for nearby residents. To learn more about the history of The Aloha or to book your stay, visit alohaarizona.com.

Media Contacts:
John Hylton, Investor/Owner
P: 480-335-7955 | E: hyltonjr@gmail.com

Stephanie Romero, City of Chandler
P: 602 -412-7228 | E: stephanie.romero@chandleraz.gov

Accolades

Arizona Resorts Recognized as a Top 500 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure’s 2022 ‘T+L 500’

On Friday, April 22, 2022, Travel + Leisure, an essential, trusted source for travel guidance and inspiration around the globe, announced the 2022 winners of the annual T+L 500. This prestigious list included luxury desert oases, Castle Hot Springs, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, and Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. Each year, the 8.1 million readers of Travel + Leisure vote for their favorite destinations, city hotels, resorts, and more in the annual World’s Best Awards survey. Drawing from the 2021 winners, Travel + Leisure recognizes the 500 best hotels around the globe, as voted by readers. Each prestigious edition of this roster of properties, divided into eight geographic regions, serves as a trusted resource for millions of enthusiastic travelers. Arizona is proud to represent globally-acclaimed excellence in luxury lodging. This year’s T+L 500 is featured in the May 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure.

General

Plan your Summer Road Trips with Roger Naylor’s Award-Winning Book

Let the adventures begin. With his latest book, Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes, local travel writer and author, Roger Naylor, coaxes readers outdoors to discover an array of wonders. Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes points the way toward the very best the state has to offer. In this captivating guide, Naylor features all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, including five National Scenic Byways. The stunning drives are arranged by region and include starting and ending points, mileage, vivid photos, full descriptions, and suggestions on locally owned places to eat and sleep. Each road trip is paired with attractions and activities including nearby hiking trails. Create a lifetime of memories while exploring the details of Arizona’s diverse and amazing scenery. Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes retails for $21.95. It is available in stores and on Amazon. Signed copies may be purchased from Naylor’s website, rogernaylor.com.

Media Contact: Roger Naylor
P: (928)-284-8393
E: roger@rogernaylor.com

COVID-19 Updates in Arizona

For visitor guidance due to COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, a list of tourism-related reopenings or closures, and a link to public health guidelines, click here: https://www.visitarizona.com/covid-19/. Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates, please check their website for hours of operation.