Arizona tourism numbers are up, Yuma follows suit

People from around the globe are making their way to Arizona. The latest reports show that tourism numbers are up!

The Arizona Office of Tourism’s report said tourism spending totaled $22.7 billion in 2017, that’s up 6.7 percent from the year before.

It’s a booming industry that encourages visitors to spend money.

“We’re really pleased… one of the best in nearly 10 years,” said Linda Morgan, Executive Director for Visit Yuma.

In Yuma County, direct travel spending reached $635.3 million, a huge improvement from last year.

The report shows that in every commodity food sales, restaurants, and accommodations are up. Morgan attributes the success of the tourism industry to gas spending.

Morgan said direct travel spending helped generate 6,400 jobs in our region.

When visitors come to Yuma to spend their money, it also gives taxpayers a break, too.

“When we collect tax dollars, that money won’t come out of our pockets,” Morgan added.

‘Visit Yuma’ has a lot to offer: The Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, The Colorado River, Downtown Yuma, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.

“The economy is good, people have money to spend, we have to promote Yuma so they spend money here,” said Morgan.

Hotel spending is also a major factor in the success of the tourism industry in Yuma.

“Our hotels are doing a much better job of collecting a higher rate, whenever our hotel industry is doing well, then everything else is. People are eating in restaurants and shopping in the stores,” added Morgan.

It doesn’t stop there. Visitors aren’t the only ones who are taking notice.

“We’re pleased Yuma has become a travel destination. Yuma has been named as an emerging market for travel with Expedia, Trivago,” Morgan told News 11.

Morgan said a great place to visit ends up becoming a great place to live.

‘Visit Yuma’ said to be on the lookout for new additions to their lineup in the near future. You can expect the new visitor’s guide in October.