As one of the state’s primary economic drivers, Arizona’s tourism industry continued to deliver for communities statewide in 2022. Post-pandemic highs were achieved in metrics across the board, including tourism jobs generated and tax revenue collected, according to new data released by the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Visitor spending reached $28.1 billion in 2022, which translates into $77 million spent every single day across Arizona’s 90+ cities, towns and communities.

“As the national desire to travel grew exponentially last year, AOT and our statewide partners worked tirelessly to ensure Arizona was positioned as a top-choice destination for travelers,” said Lisa Urias, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Tourism delivers consistent, reliable benefits to Arizona families and communities across the state.”

As expected, all topline tourism data metrics including overnight visitation, visitor spending, taxes collected, jobs generated and tourism wages earned topped last year’s figures. Included is $3.98 billion in combined local, state and federal tax revenue generated in 2022, which supports vital services such as health care, public safety and transportation.

Additional 2022 data highlights:

• Tax Burden Reduced by County: Coconino County gained the largest reduction in tax burden per household from travel spending ($3,236), followed by La Paz ($2,121), Gila ($1,280), Santa Cruz ($1,217), Yavapai ($1,156) and Navajo ($1,084). These numbers highlight the enormous impact of tourism spending in Arizona’s rural counties. The overall statewide Arizona average is ($878).
• Crucial State Budget Contributor: The $1.1 billion in state tourism taxes collected in 2022 delivered nearly 10% of the state’s entire operating budget for the year.
• Overnight Visitor Top Origin States: As always, Arizonans remained the state’s largest overnight visitor group (11.3 million), followed by visitors from California (7.6 million), Texas (2.3 million), New York (1.9 million) and Florida (1.6 million).

AOT provided this data during its 2023 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which was held at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, July 10-12, 2023. The annual meeting connects leaders from across the state’s travel and hospitality industry.