Tourism Tuesday
M A Y 7, 2 0 2 4
Photo: 2023 GCOT Governor’s Tourism Awards Celebration.
Good afternoon,
We’re thrilled to host you during a very special 2024 Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GCOT), promising an event that will celebrate our shared connections as Arizonans like never before and set the stage for impactful tourism promotion for years to come.
Throughout the conference, we’ll collaborate with you to shape the inspiring future of Arizona tourism. GCOT also offers an opportunity to shine a light on the spectacular people delivering incredible experiences throughout our Arizona tourism industry.
Now is the time to nominate a deserving person, team, or effort for the Governor’s Tourism Awards (open now through May 31). It’s the perfect way to recognize and celebrate our industry's outstanding marketers, innovators, and ambassadors.
With categories including innovative marketing campaigns, cooperative partnerships, cultural and historical preservation, exceptional service and more, there are many ways to honor the fantastic work being done across our industry in the last year.
Nominating your organization’s work or someone else’s is free and easy!
Review the category details and then click to fill out the Google GCOT Awards Nomination form. If needed, physical award entries can also be mailed directly to our office. For questions about the Governor’s Tourism Awards, please contact Deanna Nunemacher at dnunemacher@tourism.az.gov.
And then plan to join us August 21-23 at the beautiful JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa for the 2024 Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism!
Lisa Urias
CEO & EDD, Arizona Office of Tourism
@AZTourismNews
AOT In Action
AOT Partners to Promote Extreme Heat Preparedness
The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) joined the Governor’s Office of Resiliency, Arizona Dept. of Health Services and many other statewide partners to promote the importance of preparedness for extreme heat during a press conference on Friday, May 3. AOT shared the message that no one is immune from the effects of extreme heat and all Arizonans and visitors should plan ahead to enjoy our state during the summer. AOT also launched AZHeatSafety.com, a new extreme heat preparedness resources page aimed at anyone visiting our state during the summer.
Share Your Thoughts To Help Improve Arizona Trails
Arizona State Parks and Trails is seeking feedback from outdoor enthusiasts to help shape its 2025 Trails Plan. The plan, which provides information to improve trail experiences across the state, covers motorized, non-motorized, and emerging trail activities, and how land managers can improve trail experiences. Those who complete the survey, which is available in both English and Spanish, are eligible for a chance to win exciting Arizona experiences, adventures, family fun and staycation packages up to $600 in value!
New on VisitArizona.com
Bean to Cup: Arizona Coffee Roasters
This story invites visitors to meet the local roasters putting the flavor in Arizona’s coffee culture, with features highlighting Peixoto Coffee Roasters in Chandler and Gilbert, Late for the Train Coffee Roastery in Flagstaff, Presta Coffee Roasters in Tucson and seven additional coffee shops across the state.
#DiscoveringArizona
Latest: Globe's Stairizona; The Sagrado in South Phoenix
We invite you to follow along and help us share our #DiscoveringArizona Listening Tour to connect with the people and experiences that define the Arizona of today while building toward the Arizona of tomorrow.
Our latest post on our @AZTourismNews channels:
Stairizona Urban Art Trail, Globe
Our #DiscoveringArizona Listening Tour stop in Globe introduced us to the Stairizona Trail, which showcases locally created art to take travelers on a journey through the history, culture and innovations of the small eastern Arizona city. This urban art trail was created by I Art Globe, which was born out of the pandemic to highlight local artists while delivering hope and joy to the diverse and spirited community and its visitors.
The Sagrado Gallery, South Phoenix
Guided by the mantra “Pasado, Presente and Futuro” The Sagrado gallery serves as a haven that celebrates art, advocacy and cultural identity. During our #DiscoveringArizona Listening Tour stop there, we learned how the Sagrado welcomes all into its space as a healing environment while also cultivating a lively arts community throughout South Phoenix and beyond.
Upcoming Events
Arizona Governor's Conference of Tourism (GCOT) Aug. 21-23
The premier educational and information-sharing event in the state for travel professionals and destination marketers. GCOT provides attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, learn from expert panelists, draw inspiration from nationally renowned speakers and discover cutting-edge products and services.
Inaugural Mountain West Trails Conference
May 13-15
After a surge of interest from out-of-state participants last year, organizers are expanding the Utah Trails Forum to encompass all the captivating landscapes of Mountain West states. The new Mountain West Trails Conference will be set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vernal, Utah, from May 13 to 15.
News
Arizona Named Most Adventurous State in Southwest
Outside
Arizona's bevy of hiking and mountain-biking trails and the iconic status of the public land inside the state gave it the nod over Nevada and New Mexico. I mean, Grand Canyon National Park. Hard as it is to pull permits, rafting through it tops many Americans’ once-in-a-lifetime trips to take. Hiking around the Grand Canyon is up there, too. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Mead Recreation Area offer massive lakes and desert gorges, while a mass of national monuments protect historical and cultural artifacts and archaeological sites sacred to Native Peoples.
Arizona Attractions Up for 8 USA Today Reader's Choice Awards
USA Today
Eight Arizona attractions are nominated in USA Today's annual 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. Arizona attractions are up for awards in categories including Best Helicopter Tour, Best White Water Rafting Tour, Best Kayak Tour and others! Support your fellow Arizonans by voting once per day in each category now through Monday, May 27.
Pinterest Data Reveal New Travel Trends
Tourism Review
Eight out of ten users visit Pinterest weekly to plan their summer vacations. These searches reveal that adventure, wellness, and disconnecting from technology are among the top travel trends. Additionally, travelers are increasingly interested in discovering distant, natural, and mysterious destinations. According to Pinterest data, there has been a surge in interest among social media users in adventure activities. Explore VisitArizona's Pinterest page.
Did You Know?
Sierra Vista, AZ is the Hummingbird capital of the United States. With over a dozen species found here, including Anna's hummingbird, Costa's hummingbird and the broad-billed hummingbird, Arizona provides a vital habitat for these tiny, iridescent fliers. Like many visitors, they are particularly attracted to the state's varied landscapes, from desert scrublands to mountainous pine forests, where they find abundant nectar sources from flowering plants. Hummingbirds are also important pollinators, contributing to the ecological health and biodiversity of Arizona's ecosystems.
