10/14/2026
I love living in a state people actually want to visit. Tourism is big business in Arizona. Heck, the Cactus League on its own generates an economic impact of approximately $750 million EACH year. But then there’s the Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson, amazing resorts, and oh - that giant hole up north the world treats as a natural pilgrimage. Tourism is a major economic driver here.
Arizona is a destination. Period. And the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association leads the charge on ensuring this vital industry remains healthy and sustainable. I’ve partnered with them for years now, and this past session I was proud to *finally* get something across the finish line that will be a major positive for the industry - House Bill 2950. It allows Arizona communities and lodging businesses a way to pool money (up to $5 per room per night) to attract more visitors, conventions and events.
The goal is to give Arizona destinations a dependable source of marketing money to compete for overnight visitors. Those visitors spend beyond their hotel - at restaurants, shops, attractions and transportation businesses - so successful promotion can support jobs and generate additional state and local tax revenue. Growing visitor demand means more employment - which is good for everyone.
That’s why I’m so thankful and grateful to have been named the 2026 Tourism Advocate Honoree of the Year. This bill was one of the hardest I’ve ever been able to accomplish. While I’m not in this for the awards, I’m extremely proud of this one because it reflects that hard work - hard work that will benefit the economic prospects of all Arizonans.
