ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona tourism industry reports $1 billion decrease in August

Oct 6, 2020, 4:15 AM

(Facebook Photo/Arizona State Parks)...

(Facebook Photo/Arizona State Parks)

(Facebook Photo/Arizona State Parks)

PHOENIX – Arizona tourists spent nearly $1 billion less in the August compared to the same time last year, with the effects likely attributed to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released Monday.

The Arizona Office of Tourism reported visitors spent $641 million in August, which is down approximately 60% from last year.

“This data paints a bleak, but accurate picture of the importance of tourism to our economy and the steep challenges our industry faces in working toward recovery,” Arizona Office of Tourism Director Debbie Johnson said in a press release.

Across the board, the tourism industry reported decreases in employment, tax revenue and hotel occupancy in August compared to last year.

Arizona’s tourism industry has seen a decrease in visitors amid the coronavirus pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, visitor spending in Arizona was outpacing 2019, which was the state’s best year ever for tourism.

According to the report, the $8.5 billion spend by visitors in the first eight months of 2020 is down approximately 51% compared to the same period in 2019.

Last year was also the fourth year in a row of record-setting visitation, spending, tax revenue and jobs supported.

Johnson noted in the release that because of the steep declines, businesses have turned to promoting Arizona road trips and staycations to boost the industry.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Antwaun Ware received a life sentence for killing Jasmine Dunbar in 2018....

Kevin Stone

Man who killed woman, left baby on side of West Valley road in 2018 gets life sentence

A man who killed his ex-girlfriend and abandoned her baby on the side of a West Valley road in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison.

3 minutes ago

Silver Alert issued for 68-year-old man last seen in Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Silver Alert issued for missing 68-year-old man last seen in Phoenix

A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing 68-year-old man named Gregory Nathan Wascher who was last seen in Phoenix on Wednesday.

2 hours ago

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase....

Kevin Stone

Here’s why APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase after state regulators signed off on a proposed adjustment this week.

3 hours ago

A man died after being pulled from a house fire in Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning...

Kevin Stone

Man dead after house fire in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood

A man died after being pulled from a house fire in Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning, authorities said.

4 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

1 teen killed, another seriously injured in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal

One teenager was killed and another was seriously injured in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal on Thursday evening, authorities said.

4 hours ago

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from sc...

Balin Overstolz

Chronic absentee rate for Arizona students remains far above pre-pandemic level, study finds

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from school, which is double the absence rate before the pandemic.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Arizona tourism industry reports $1 billion decrease in August