This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, which kicked off May 3, looks a little different than usual. The yearly celebration typically highlights all the fun ways that travel enriches lives and strengthens communities.
This year, the Arizona Office of Tourism is spotlighting the 192,000 hospitality workers in the state through its local theme Arizona Spirit of Travel. Running through May 9, the series of videos is honoring the many people who make Arizona vacations so unforgettable for the more than 45 million people each year.
“We usually look to promote Arizona’s amazing resorts, attractions and destinations during National Travel and Tourism Week. But this year, it was obvious that we need to highlight the people we rely on to deliver those experiences to our 45 million-plus annual visitors.”
Debbie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism
The multi-video series, which features hotel employees, attraction operators, craft brewers and others from across the state, reveals that in the face of these challenging times, the Spirit of Travel is driven by passionate, dedicated Arizonans.
“COVID-19 has really hurt the hospitality industry, and it’s changed the way we build the community one pint at a time, but it hasn’t stopped us. The thing I miss most is all of our regular guests, and I’m looking forward to seeing all of them back here as soon as it’s safe enough to reopen.”
Michael Marquess, CEO & Founder of Mother Road Brewing Co. in Flagstaff in his NTTW video
The videos will direct viewers to AZSpiritofTravel.com, where they will find tips on the many ways they can support or show appreciation for tourism businesses and view all the videos in the series.
The videos will be released daily via Arizona Office of Tourism Twitter and Facebook channels during National Travel and Tourism Week, running through Saturday, May 9.
