Yuma County tourism bouncing back following all-time low revenue in 2020

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma is often just a city, where people pass through and fill up on gas, maybe have a bite to eat. While others, come to explore the rich history and hidden gems. But, ever since the pandemic hit, tourism has been slow.

However, the state is pushing more money into the industry, to turn the tide.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Office of Tourism announced 43 organizations across the state will receive a portion of more than nine point four million dollars in recovery funds. One of them is in Yuma County.

A historic landmark in Yuma is receiving 15,000 dollars to assist in revitalizing the tourism industry.

Yvonne Peach is the owner of the Yuma History Museum located right behind the Yuma Landing Bar and Grill.

“I love history, and we just happen to have a restaurant that's built on the side of the first plane landing in Arizona,” Peach explained. “I'm so excited we got it. I’d never imagine wed get it, to be honest with you,” she added.

She says people don’t just come to Yuma to stay in hotel rooms.

“The goal is to get more people here, number one. The more people, the more money they spend, the more they eat out, the more they stay in hotels, the more they spend that helps the 2% money, which of course that helps tourism that goes back into the tourism dollars for you.”

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, in 2019, Yuma County racked in $667 million in direct travel spending. One year later, a $200 million decrease. We haven’t seen a low like this in over 10 years.

“The Canadians still can’t come and the other snowbirds that can come from Montana, Washington, all over the United States… they’re still coming. We’re starting to see them come in. We’re seeing a lot less fear of people coming in. We were getting a lot of phone calls last year of people asking is it safe to come, are your numbers high,” said the executive director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.

Kimberly Kahl explains how they’re trying to bring more seasonal residents into town.

“We actually sent a kit out to people across the United States you're thinking about relocating or becoming a snowbird in Yuma. It includes a map of Yuma, and information about Yuma, a list of businesses in Yuma, along with different places they can live,” Kahl described.

Kahl says they’re working with senators Krysten Sinema and Mark Kelly to reach the White House - calling for the re-opening of the Canadian border.

Back at the Yuma History Museum, Peach hopes yumans will speak positively about the desert southwest.

“Sure, we're hot. But when you're hot, you still get on the Colorado River you can float down that river and have a wonderful time. And here, in the summertime, even at night… it's beautiful out.”

The Yuma County Chamber of Commerce also tells News 11 another difference compared to last year is Californians aren’t visiting as much since restrictions have eased in the state.

The Arizona Office of Tourism provided additional details on statistics:

• Statewide, visitors to Arizona spent $1.38 billion in August 2021, which is only 14% below pre-pandemic levels (2019) but 30% above August 2020.
• Yuma County lost nearly $200 million in visitor spending in 2020 as compared to 2019. (Down 30%). 
• Yuma County also experienced the largest decrease of all counties in travel-supported employment in 2020 as compared to 2019 (Down 23%).

“With tourism being the hardest hit industry and still working to recover, we were really focused during this initial round on getting funds to communities that needed it most,” said Debbie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT). “We worked diligently through this process to provide support statewide and I’m proud to say we achieved that goal.”