SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Tourism continued to be a major economic engine for Scottsdale in 2024, generating $3.7 billion in economic impact while supporting more than 36,000 local jobs, according to the city’s latest tourism study.
The annual report, led by Scottsdale’s Tourism and Events division, shows the city welcomed over 11 million visitors last year. That included 4.9 million domestic overnight travelers, 1.7 million international overnight visitors, and 5.1 million day-trippers. Compared to 2023, Scottsdale gained 300,000 additional domestic visitors (up 3%) and 127,000 more international travelers (up 8%), reflecting steady growth across the board.
Scottsdale’s appeal lies in its mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and luxury hospitality. Signature events like the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and San Francisco Giants Spring Training anchor the calendar, while activities such as shopping, dining, golf, and exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve remain top draws. Destinations like Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the Westand Canal Convergence add to the city’s cultural appeal.
Officials emphasized that the strength of Scottsdale’s tourism brand benefits both visitors and residents. City Manager Greg Caton highlighted that investments in public facilities and city services contribute directly to this growth. In fiscal year 2024/25, Scottsdale spent $54.7 million on municipal services for visitors, but tax revenues from tourism outpaced those costs by $22.8 million — meaning that for every $1 spent on visitor services, the city collected $1.42 back.
Local businesses also see the upside. The study found that 55% of overnight visitors and 59% of day-trippers who shopped supported Scottsdale’s locally owned retailers. Old Town Scottsdale remains a centerpiece, offering more than 90 restaurants, 320 shops, and 80 art galleries, many of them independent.
Tourism leaders say the city’s ability to balance world-class amenities with strong community investments helps sustain its success. Rachel Sacco, Experience Scottsdale CEO, noted that travelers “can choose anywhere in the world, and they choose Scottsdale year after year.”
With a strong foundation of resorts, attractions, and cultural experiences, the 2024 Scottsdale Tourism Study reinforces that the city’s tourism industry is not only thriving but also creating lasting benefits for residents and businesses alike.
