/ Modified jul 23, 2018 1:02 p.m.

Arizona Breaks Tourism Record in 2017, State Says

But federal data say tourists from Mexico dropped by nearly 10 percent.

Tourism Report Sabino Canyon visitors 2017.
Bill Morrow via Creative Commons

Tourism experts say Arizona saw more visitors than ever before in 2017, and those guests spent a record amount of money during their stays.

A report released by the Arizona Office of Tourism also shows Pima County visitors spent 8 percent more in 2017 than during the previous year, supporting more than 25,000 jobs.

The research found foreign visitors stayed longer and spent more money at their Arizona destinations, but there's been a decrease in the number of tourists from Mexico.

Visit Tucson spokeswoman Mary Rittman says Tucson could benefit from an improved political climate in the region.

"We don't have specific numbers for Tucson or Pima County, but our anecdotal information indicates the same thing," she said. "And quite honestly, it's not that surprising given everything that’s' been going on."

Federal data from the Department of Commerce showed the number of visitors from Mexico dropped nearly 10 percent compared to just a year ago.

By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona