United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Arizona posts tourism record in 2018
Arizona had a good year for tourism in 2018.
It saw a nearly 8% rise in tourism spending to $24.4 billion, which is the highest annual growth for more than a decade, the Arizona Office of Tourism said.
Visitor numbers were up 3%, according to a report released at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
"We’re celebrating a third year of straight growth in our industry, record numbers. For the first time we hit $1 billion in state tax revenue through tourism, which is great because that pays for essential services throughout the state," Arizona Tourism deputy director Becky Blaine said.
Domestically, the biggest source markets are California, Texas, Illinois, Colorado and Florida.
Cross border visits from Mexico make up the bulk of international visitation at 3.7 million, which is nearly four times the No2 country, Canada at 962,000.
However the share of travelers coming from overseas declined slightly, due in part to the strong US dollar.
There was a 3.7% decline in the number of travelers from China but that was actually lower than the overall decline in travel to the US of 5.7%.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
EU entry-exit system delayed again
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Carnival Cruise Line hosts Prague getaway for Fun Ambassadors
US tourism hit with UK, Germany travel warnings