Arizona working to lure more international visitors

PHOENIX — The Arizona Office of Tourism has teamed up with a national marketing company to create a digital campaign that will attract international travelers from countries like Canada and China.

According to AZ Big Media, filmmakers from Brand USA will travel to attractions in Ajo, Flagstaff, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson this week. 

“International visitors, on average, stay longer and spend more money in Arizona than their domestic counterparts, so they are a vital part of our marketing strategy,” said Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

“By partnering with Brand USA, we are able to extend Arizona’s brand reach into international markets in a cost-effective way. This video collaboration is the perfect example of how Brand USA can help us tell Arizona’s story — and vice-versa,” she said.

The company will showcase fun activities and interests to international travelers that are likely to visit Arizona. The videos, which will be the basis for a digital marketing campaign, will be available on Brand USA’s social platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube.

According to data from the Office of Tourism, 43 million tourists visited Arizona in 2016, 5.63 million of which were international. They generated $21.2 billion in direct travel spending within the state that year.