The Arizona tourism industry is bursting at the seams. Data from the Arizona Office of Tourism shows a 'record-breaking' $4.2 billion in tax revenues generated in 2023 from travel spending.“As far as I’m aware of, Tucson has always been a tourist destination or an adventure sort-of destination,' local business owner Jose Jimenez said.Jimenez says his store, Petroglyphs, 160 S. Avenida del Convento, is dependent on seasonal business.
Arizona Office of Tourism data shows in 2023, travel spending led to $81.6 million in tax revenue in Pima County.Jimenez says the University of Arizona’s 'Family Weekend' in the fall typically kicks off his busy season, which lasts through April.“It’s been my experience that there’s this second weekend in October where it just—everything changes and it feels like the lights were actually turned on,' Jimenez said.