Culinary

New menu and design at ZuZu Restaurant in the Hotel Valley Ho

ZuZu Restaurant, located inside of the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, will unveil a complete renovation and menu revamp in Sept. 2019. The renovation will feature a new mid-century modern design with a contemporary twist. The lounge and dining room will become one expansive space, while a transitional seating arrangement will form the centerpiece of the restaurant, with a breakfast configuration that will change into a chic lounge in the evening. A new hidden wine room, The Rosie Room, will offer guests wine from around the world. ZuZu's overhaul centers on an action station where the chef will cook tableside every evening, bringing live cooking demos to the entire restaurant. During weekend brunch hours, the station transforms into a seafood display to complement the restaurant's famous Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Chef LaCasce will focus the new menu on small, shareable plates featuring ingredients from the property's brand-new garden. The 240-square-foot, onsite herb garden will feature crops ranging from eggplant and shishito peppers to the classic staples of basil, thyme, and cilantro. ZuZu will offer two monthly revolving dishes: Cut of the Moment and Farmer's Plate. The cocktail menu will introduce fresh libations, like the ZuZu Mango Tango punctuated by grilled jalapeño straight from chef's herb garden.

PR Contact: J Public Relations

Phone: (619) 255-7069

Email: hvh@jpublicrelations.com

 

Attractions

New Western Heritage Center in Prescott

The new Western Heritage Center in Prescott is a unique collaboration of more than 25 organizations, including museums, historical societies and other related organizations that promote Arizona's western heritage. Independent exhibits featuring the Rough Riders, ranching, railroad, film history, mining, and more will also be included, enhancing the Center's attraction. The Western Heritage Center, located across from the Courthouse Plaza on Montezuma Street, will engage with its visitors, educating and bringing to life the area's rich heritage and history.  Later this year, interactive touch screens will encourage visitors to learn more about each organization's history and mission, while also offering directions to their locations. 

PR Contact: Dennis Gallagher

Email: pwhfpresident@gmail.com

 

'Surprise Your Eyes' art experience at Odysea in the Desert

Odysea in the Desert, the entertainment complex on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, announced their new 3D optical-illusion pop-up art installation. The 'Surprise Your Eyes' art exhibit consists of 30, three-dimensional photo backdrops designed for visitors to become part of the art. The backdrops range from a fighting arcade game, a castle with a dragon, walking on the moon, fighting with dinosaurs, and a player catching a football. Visitors are encouraged to come in groups of two or three; some scenes require two or more people to interact.

PR Contact: Karin Korpowski-Gallo

Email: media@odyseainthedesert.com

 

The National Audubon Society designates third Important Bird Area (IBA) in Camp Verde

The Arizona office of the National Audubon Society science review team approved a third Camp Verde Important Bird Area (IBA). The IBA designation acknowledges the biodiversity of the area and the value it has to bird conservation. The recognized area includes the 17-mile corridor of the Verde River, plus West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek, within the corporate boundary of Camp Verde. The Verde River's vast watershed is habitat for one of the largest concentrations of resident and migratory birdlife anywhere in the Southwest. This new area brings a total of six IBAs to Yavapai County.

PR Contact: Karon Leigh

Phone: (206) 200-8258

Email: karonl@verderiver.org

 

Flight Service

Condor Airlines has extended its nonstop Phoenix-Frankfurt flight service in 2020

Due to continued demand, Condor Airlines is further extending its service in 2020 by adding two days a week for the month of April, then continuing its three-day a week service from May to October. The airline will continue to operate the flight with a Boeing 767-300ER. This aircraft offers more than 250 seats, providing each passenger on board complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment at each seat. The 18 seats in Business Class feature lie-flat seats, a 15” personal in-seat premium entertainment system, power and USB ports, and gourmet meals with complimentary beer, wine and cocktails. This service will continue to bring Europeans to Arizona and provide both business and leisure travelers a convenient option to get to Europe.

PR Contact: Sky Harbor Media Inquiries

Phone: (602) 273-3300

Email: skyharborPIO@phoenix.gov 

 

 

Hotel News

Christmas Camp holiday experience at The Phoenician

After writing the Hallmark original movie, Christmas Camp, and the novel Christmas Camp and sequel, Christmas Camp Wedding, three-time Emmy Award-winner Karen Schaler had to bring her Christmas Camp® story to life, for everyone to experience. The Phoenician in Scottsdale will host the real life Christmas Camp experience, with a Champagne Reception and Book Signing with Karen Schaler, baking and culinary classes, mixology classes, wine and cocktail tasting, spa treatments, Christmas craft classes, charitable activities, and more. The Phoenician is offering a Christmas Camp Room Package, available Dec. 5 – 9, 2019 and Dec. 12 – 16, 2019 starting at $259 per night with all Christmas Camp experiences included.

PR Contact: Denise Seomin

Phone: (480) 423-2657

Email: denise.seomin@luxurycollection.com

 

 

 

General

Arizona State Parks and Trails partners with Google to provide mobile trail conditions to hikers

Arizona State Parks and Trails staff have been using the Google R7 Trekker Camera to capture in detail the trails within state parks across Arizona. During spring of 2019, staff walked more than 200 miles carrying the Trekker, which weighs 45 pounds and includes 15 individual lenses to capture a 360-degree view of each trail. The data will help visitors understand the difficulty and accessibility of trails, topography, and what to expect to see along the route. Google will process and upload the trail data to the existing Earth and Maps databases free of use for the public. The project also aided in identifying trails in need of maintenance or repair in the park system. The project does not have a specified deadline.

PR Contact: Michelle Thompson

Phone: (602) 542-1996                                                                     

Email: pio@azstateparks.gov                                                                                                                                                                           

 

INDOCHINO custom apparel at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square, the upscale shopping center in Scottsdale, announced that INDOCHINO, male custom apparel company, moved its Arizona location to Scottsdale Fashion Square as of Tuesday, June 25, 2019. At INDOCHINO, customers select from hundreds of fabrics and endless customization options, including lapels, buttons, pockets, linings, and monograms to create a one-of-a-kind design. Expert Style Guides, equipped with iPads, assist with measurements, fabric, and styling recommendations. The Scottsdale Fashion Square showroom features short- and long-sleeved casual shirts. INDOCHINO occupies a 1,800-square-foot space on the upper level of the Nordstrom wing, near the shopping center's Palm Court. The showroom is one of 46 locations across the country and the company's only brick-and-mortar store in Arizona.

PR Contact: Angela Menninger  

Phone: (602) 373-8212

Email: angela@dualitypr.com

 

Accolades

Grand Canyon National Park designated as an official International Dark Sky Park

The National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association awarded Grand Canyon National Park an official International Dark Sky Park certification. The certification gives Grand Canyon National Park support to continue to grow the park's educational programs and creates economic opportunities for neighboring communities as well through astronomy-based tourism. The amount of lights inventoried and retrofitted in this process makes Grand Canyon National Park one of the largest, most complex, International Dark Sky Parks in the world.

PR Contact: Becky Latanich

Phone: (928) 638-7958                                                                                   

 

Taliesin West is one of eight in a group Frank Lloyd Wright buildings added to UNESCO World Heritage List

On Sunday, June 7, 2019, UNESCO inscribed Taliesin West in Scottsdale as one in a group of eight masterworks by architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a World Heritage Site. The group of eight, entitled “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright,” is the first World Heritage listing for the United States in the field of modern architecture. The nomination process, lead by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conversancy, took 15 plus years, as organizers narrowed down buildings that best represents Wright and the World Heritage Committee's selection criteria. Taliesin West is the second World Heritage Site in Arizona, next to the Grand Canyon National Park.

PR Contact: Jan Bracamonte

Email: jan@jlaurenpr.com

 

Summer Staycations

Family-owned watercraft rentals in Parker announces Summer hours and rates

Parker Watercraft Rentals, the family-owned and operated personal watercraft company on the Parker Strip, announced their spring hours and rates. Pending water levels, patrons are invited to enjoy the Parker Strip with Parker Watercraft Rentals starting at just $250 per day, plus tax and gas. Full day rentals are available 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and include life jackets, all safety equipment, anchor, and dock line.

PR Contact: Tori Elder

Phone: (949) 239-9220

Email: victoria@victorisolutions.com

 

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Offers “Rock Your Staycation” summer deals                                                            

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel is bringing back “Rock Your Staycation” this summer with room rates starting as low as $97 on the weekends, a $30 daily resort credit, two $25 Luna Spa vouchers (per reservation) and a 50 percent discount on the daily resort fee. Use promo code: ROCK19 at checkout. The daily resort fee is $29 plus tax, which includes valet or self-parking, fitness center access, bicycle use, Wi-Fi, and daily newspaper. These rates are available for stays May 24 – Sept. 1, 2019 (based on availability; blackout dates and cancellation fees do apply).

PR Contact: Stephanie Sanstead

Phone: (602) 476-9997

Email: stephanie@tlcpublicrelations.com

 

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel celebrates the season with “Summer Fun Package”

The FOUND:RE announces their “Summer Fun Package” deals available from May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019. Room rates start at $129 plus tax and include 25 percent off the standard rate for a “re:markable” room, $25 poolside food and beverage credit and poolside swag (including sunglasses, a pool floatie and sunblock) per stay. Booking dates are from May 1 – Sept. 2, 2019.

PR Contact: Eric Butruff

Phone: (602) 751-5635

Email: eric@knifeandforkmedia.com

 

 

The Hermosa Inn announces hot summer 2019 rates and cool dining dates

Available May 19 – Sept. 30, 2019, The Hermosa Inn offers rates starting from $149, plus tax and resort fee of $32. The resort fee includes valet parking, two drink tickets per room, $25 daily food and beverage credit, and daily poolside treats. Based on availability, guests will receive a free upgrade and early check-in and late checkout.        

PR Contact: Keeley Ast

Phone: (480) 220-1061

Email: keeley@keeleyast.com

 

Cool Summer Rates at Arizona's Three JW Marriott Resorts

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa announced a "Splash Into Summer" deal that includes a $50 resort credit, a $10 donation to Phoenix Children's Hospital, and resort fee (which includes high speed internet, two comp hours of pickleball, comp use of driving range, tennis courts and two hour bike rental). Prices start at $199 and are available May 23 – Sept. 7, 2019. Must use promo code SPU when booking. JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson unveiled new summer special called "Casitas & Rita's" includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious casita, two specialty-handcrafted margaritas per night and a $50 resort credit per night. Prices starting at $199, and are available May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019. Must use promo code ES1 when booking. JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa "Fling & Swing" summer special includes overnight accommodations, unlimited golf for two per day beginning at 1 p.m. day of arrival, and $50 resort credit per night. Prices starting at $189, and are available March 27 – Sept. 7, 2019. Must use promo code 33G when booking. All prices do not include tax or resort fee and are based on availability.                                                          

PR Contact: Carol Baetzel                                                 

Phone: (602) 931-5422                                                     

Email: cbaetzel@cbprco.com

                                                                                                                                                

“Steak-Cation” Summer Package at JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort and Spa's “Steak-cation” summer package includes accommodations in a luxurious, adobe-style casita, and a $100 credit to Lincoln, the award winning, JW steakhouse. Room rates begin at $269 per night, not including taxes. The “Steak-cation” summer package is available May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019, excluding Sundays and Mondays from June 30 – Aug. 26, 2019. Must use promo code ZJ8 when booking. 

PR Contact: Carol Baetzel

Phone: (602) 931-5422

Email: cbaetzel@cbprco.com

 

Summer Staycation Packages at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center

We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center announced their one and two-night summer staycation packages. A one-night stay includes a deluxe guest room with one king or two queen beds, $25 food and beverage credit, one $10 casino slot play, 25% off regular priced spa services, and a waived $25 resort fee. Prices start at $99, not including taxes. A two-night stay includes a deluxe guest room with one king or two queen beds, $75 food and beverage credit, one $10 Casino slot play, 25% off regular priced spa services, and waived $25 resort fee, per night. Prices start at $189, not including taxes. The summer staycation packages are available May 1 – Aug. 31, 2019.

PR Contact: Gail Manginelli

Phone: (480) 250-8236

Email: gail@gmandassociatespr.com                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                       

Summertime room packages and activities at L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona, A Destination Hotel in Sedona, announced their “Cooler by Nature” summer package, available now until Sept. 30, 2019. The package includes a two night stay, up to 20 percent off cottages and suites, and $40 credit at ETCH Kitchen + Bar. L'Auberge de Sedona offers exclusive summertime activities such as creekside dinner at Cress on Oak Creek, summer nature-focused spa and wellness treatments at L'Apothecary Spa, or a customized hike through The Hike House.

PR Contact: Alissa Kasawdish

Phone: (619) 255-7069

Email: akasawdish@jpublicrelations.com

 

Mormon Lake Lodge announced midweek summer specials for groups and couples

Mormon Lake Lodge offers groups two-for-one pricing on cabin rentals during midweek (Sunday through Thursday) for spring and summer 2019. Every night booked would include a second night at no charge. Choose from a variety of cabins ranging from $59 - $324 per night. The Lodge is situated on 300 acres of pristine forest that offer flexible facilities and amenities for corporate meetings, family reunions, retirement parties, weddings, group functions, and team-building events.

PR Contact: Christina Cober

Phone: (541) 778-2738                     

Email: christina@thevoxagency.com

 

 

“Giddyap Mountain Getaway” summer package at Mormon Lake Lodge

Located southeast of Flagstaff, Mormon Lake Lodge announced their midweek “Giddyap Mountain Getaway” summer packages. There are three packages to choose from, each include a horseback-riding excursion, a meal and an overnight stay in a Mormon Lake Lodge cabin for two. Sunrise Mountain Saddle Up package offers a one-night cabin for two, a 1.5-hour guided horseback ride at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast at 9 a.m. The room rate is $198 plus tax and $55 per person for an additional person in the same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride. Chow Time Late Morning Ride package offers a cabin for two, a two hour guided horseback ride departing at 9:45 a.m., and lunch in the lodge. The room rate is $239 plus tax and $72 per person for an additional person in the same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride.  Dinner Bell Afternoon Ride package offers a one night cabin for two, a 1.5-hour guided horseback ride at 4 p.m., and dinner at the steakhouse. The room rate is $229 plus tax and $72 per person for additional person in same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride. Guests can add an additional night to any summer package for $98 per night.                                                                                                      

PR Contact: Christina Cober

Phone: (541) 778-2738                     

Email: christina@thevoxagency.com                                                                   

                                                 

Centennial Celebrations in 2019

Grand Canyon Centennial, Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon celebrates 100 years of its designation as a national park. The Centennial year will feature virtual and in-park events throughout 2019 at the South Rim, North Rim, Desert View, Inner Canyon, and surrounding gateway communities.

Watch it here: Senate (starts at 11 min 35 sec mark) -http://azleg.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=22237&autostart=0   

Read it here: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/1R/bills/SR1001S.htm

PR Contact: Mindy Riesenberg, Grand Canyon Conservatory

Phone: (928) 863-3878

Email: mriesenberg@grandcanyon.org

 

Hotel Congress, Tucson

The hotel was established in 1919, but while digging up historical facts about Hotel Congress, the building was constructed in 1918 with a soft opening in November of that year. The celebrations will continue through 2019 with events toasting the hotel's dedication to serving the Tucson community.

PR Contact: Dalice Shepard, Hotel Congress

Phone: (520) 622-8848

Email: dalice@hotelcongress.com

 

Semicentennial Celebrations in 2019

Lunar Legacy, Flagstaff

On July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon. All astronauts who walked on the Moon – including Neil Armstrong, Alan Shepard, and Buzz Aldrin – completed their training in Flagstaff, and at several other locations in northern Arizona. After 50 years, it is time to celebrate Flagstaff's scientific role in the Apollo Moon Missions of 1969.

PR Contact: Meg Roederer, City of Flagstaff

Phone: (928) 213-2924

Email: mroederer@flagstaffaz.gov

 

Connect:

 @Arizona_travel

 @visit_arizona

www.youtube.com/user/ArizonaTourism

Newsroom: http://newsroom.visitarizona.com/

Official State Visitors Guide: http://digital.milespartnership.com/view/central/arizona-official-state-travel-guide/arizona-2019-20

Additional inspiration: http://www.visitarizona.com/planning/local-word