With recent figures from the Arizona Office of Tourism showing 40.7 million visitors recorded in 2014, the state’s tourism industry hit record levels last year.

Arizona had an increase of 6.3% in international tourism with a majority of travelers coming from Mexico and Canada.

According to Capital Media Services, Sherry Henry, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism attributes much of the big jump in international tourism to the state’s partnership with Brand USA, a federal program to promote the United States overseas as a travel destination.

A study performed on behalf of the Arizona Office of Tourism estimates tourists spent $20.9 billion last year, which equates to about $57 million a day.

Some notable spending:

     – $5 billion on food services and store
     – $3.7 billion in local transportation and gasoline
     – $2.9 billion on a place to stay
     – $2.6 billion at retail outlets.

Henry advised she’s, “anticipating much better numbers for 2015” due to the success of the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl.

Additional Reading: Capital Media Services