Arizona saw a record number of overnight visitors last year, according to the state office of tourism. Forty-three million people came to the Grand Canyon State last year – collectively spending $58-million a day, or more than $40,000 a minute.
“We don’t realize that our taxes are lower because of tourism,” said director Debbie Johnson.
The tourism office estimates the average Arizona household saves $1,200 in taxes due to tourism. Visitors generated more than $3-billion in tax revenue, with $893-million going to local governments.
Johnson says the office is working to find creative ways to market the state to international visitors.
“They come and they stay longer, they see more of the state and they spend more money,” she said.
Where do our most of our out-of-state visitors come from?
1. 1. California (8.1 million in 2016)
2. 2. New York (2.6 million in 2016)
3. 3. Texas (1.8 million in 2016)
International travelers?
1. 1. Mexico (3.7 million in 2016)
2. 2. Canada (878,647 in 2016)
3. 3. Germany (127,823 in 2016)
