Photo by Michael Williams
Rachel Sacco
Has Old Town seemed more vibrant lately? Have you noticed more big-time events making their way through Scottsdale? You have Sacco, president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale, to thank.
You are considered the heart and soul of the local hospitality industry. Why do you think you have been so successful in your career?
I’ve been in this business for nearly 40 years and have promoted Scottsdale for more than 30. The thing that keeps me going is my love for this community. I care deeply about Scottsdale’s residents, business owners and employees. I care deeply about Scottsdale’s nine million annual visitors. But this work takes so much more than just love. Much of my success can be traced back to research, strategy and partnerships. Every program and initiative Experience Scottsdale tackles is grounded in industry research, trends and strategies. As a membership-based organization, Experience Scottsdale relies on partnerships with area tourism and hospitality businesses. And as a nonprofit entity, Experience Scottsdale depends on relationships with government officials in the City of Scottsdale and Town of Paradise Valley. My team and I work hard to maintain these relationships and ensure our partners receive a strong return on their investment.
On any given day, there is something new and exciting developing in Scottsdale. Is there anything that you are personally most looking forward to?
I’m excited about the renewed focus on the heart of our community–Old Town Scottsdale. Through the five-year tourism strategic plan, the City of Scottsdale has identified ways to improve Old Town for both the visitor and resident, from pedestrian pathways and bike trails to wayfinding signage and shade. Old Town has a new marketing campaign, and in recent years, the area has seen an influx of new and improved events, like Canal Convergence and Scottsdazzle, as well as new restaurants, lounges and boutiques.
What do you envision for the future of the Valley as a whole?
The Valley is going to be known as best destination for hospitality in the country. Whether someone is coming to Arizona for a mega event like the Super Bowl, a business meeting or a family reunion, they will encounter a welcoming destination where the people are friendly and the businesses are hospitable. They will see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, feel safe in our streets, and move through the community with ease.
What influence do you hope to have on the Valley?
I hope my legacy is one of collaboration. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to bring together Valley cities and towns, destination marketing organizations and hoteliers. In the early days of Experience Scottsdale, we convinced competing hoteliers to participate—for the very first time—in a joint marketing campaign. To this day, Scottsdale-area hoteliers understand the importance of collaborating to promote the destination as a whole. Several years ago, I organized a consortium of destination marketing organizations, and together, we’ve worked on bids for Super Bowls and Final Four Championships. That consortium—made up of the likes of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Visit Phoenix, Tempe Tourism Office and more—continues to meet on a regular basis. Although we all may be friendly competitors, we can help each other be more successful. And it’s so enriching to work in an environment where everyone succeeds.
