AOT News

The Arizona Office of Tourism Launches new Wine Trail Passport

The Arizona Office of Tourism is launching a statewide digital Arizona Wine Trail passport and interactive map powered by Bandwango. Visitors can register for the free passport and save as an icon to their phone's home screen for easy access. Geolocation enables visitors to find over 100 tasting rooms while they travel throughout Arizona. Incentives for visiting multiple wine regions are built into the program. The passport will be available starting August 1, 2021, on ArizonaWines.com.

PR Contact: Becky Blaine, Arizona Office of Tourism

Email: bblaine@Tourism.az.gov  

 

Culinary

A new pub for Prescott - The P.U.B. 

The P.U.B. - Prescott's Unique Brewhouse - was recently opened in Prescott by the same owners who operate the Lonesome Valley Brewery in Prescott Valley. It is modeled after a traditional Irish pub with a tutor-inspired interior, beautiful brick fireplaces and cozy bric-a-brac. After a few pints, you may forget you are even in Arizona! The drink menu features everything from local and regional beer, wine, cider and mead to classic pub favorites. Also serving the best Guinness and shepherd's pie. 

PR Contact: Joany Cole, owner

Phone: (928) 264-1546

 

Attractions 

New photography exhibit by Navajo photographer at Amerind Museum

The Amerind Museum, in Dragoon, announces a new exhibit, "Through the Lens of Navajo Photographer Priscilla Tacheney" at Amerind, now through March 31, 2022. A member of the Navajo Nation, Priscilla Tacheney is a Southwest landscape and portrait photographer. She has sold her work at various Native American Art shows across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Priscilla has traveled to many scenic areas across the Southwest, looking to capture the beauty of Mother Earth and Father Sky. Through the lens of her camera, she sees and captures the beauty of the landscape and feels a connection with Nature's subjects and its energy. Her work in the field helped her appreciate and embrace the natural wonders of the Earth. She states, “As a nature photographer, I've become more aware of the deterioration of our planet's natural areas. Commercial expansion and climate change are changing the landscape at an accelerated rate. Therefore, it has become important to me to capture and document the beauty that exists today.”

PR Contact: Cindy Beeman

Phone: (520) 586-3666 Ext. 210

Email: cbeeman@amerind.org 

 

Hotel News

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa announces the new Desert Garden coming Fall 2021

The beauty of the Arizona landscape is the inspiration for the newest outdoor venue at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa—the Desert Garden. The space, located in a serene courtyard and surrounded by a grove of mesquite trees, weaves together natural textures, materials, landscape and design to create an oasis in the desert. The entrance is over a bridge of planked concrete pavers, traversing above a shallow reflecting pool. A blue Palo Verde tree anchors the space, separating a 1,600 sq. ft. lawn from the 3,700 sq. ft. patio area. A cascading waterfall wall creates a tranquil focal point for a dinner event or social function. The landscaping surrounding the Desert Garden speaks to the destination and includes mesquite and ironwood trees for shade in addition to shrubs, cactus and succulents such as aloe, agave, saguaro, ocotillo and organ pipe cactus. Grasses and seasonal flowers will create a beautiful backdrop. This new venue is a complement to the many spectacular outdoor settings at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, renowned for its lush Sonoran Desert landscape and design. For more information visit www.hyattregencyscottsdale.com. 

PR Contact: Terri Benich, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 

Phone: (480) 483-5584 

Email: terri.benich@hyatt.com 

The expansion at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson is complete

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a Forbes Four-Star Resort in Tucson, Ariz., is pleased to announce their expansion project has been completed. The expansion added forty new guestrooms modeled after the Catalina Rooms added in 2015. The guest rooms span seven new buildings facing both the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains offering guests expansive mountain views. The new Rincon Ridge Rooms include fifteen rooms with the private outdoor showers guests have come to associate with the signature Catalina Rooms. Care has been taken to weave in elements of the resort's unique history throughout the new guestrooms and other areas. In addition to the new guestrooms, Hacienda Del Sol also added a brand-new pool area with a forty-foot lap pool, an infinity-edge wading pool, spa and a large sun deck. A 420 square-foot fitness facility with large roll-up doors take advantage of Tucson's months of mild temperatures and unforgettable mountain views. The expansion has opened up more space for displaying local art and sculpture allowing Hacienda Del Sol to continue passionately supporting artists throughout the community.
Originally a prestigious ranch school for girls in the 1930's, Hacienda Del Sol has evolved into a luxurious resort with touches of its storied past sprinkled throughout the entire property. With a total of 97 rooms, the resort still maintains an intimate boutique experience for guests. 

PR Contact: Casey Numetko, Marketing Manager

Phone: (520) 901-1399 

Email: cnumetko@haciendadelsol.com

Accolades 

Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde is a winner

At the Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (AZ ARVC) Conference, Verde Ranch RV Resort received the prestigious honor of being named the state's “Large Park of the Year.” The AZ ARVC rewarded the park for its well-maintained facilities, beautiful landscaping, and overall amenities. Verde Ranch RV Resort is also the winner of five national accolades in 2020/2021, including No. 1 Luxury RV Resort in Arizona by Outdoorsy, No. 6 Best RV Resort by USA Today 10Best, and awards from Tiffin Motorhome, Campendium, and Good Sam. The resort offers full-hookup RV sites, vacation rental cabins, and a modern clubhouse. The 399 full-service sites accommodate RVs up to 75 feet including back-in, pull-thru, and covered options – and all include access to sewer, water hook-up, 50-amp electrical service, cable, and WIFI. The 16 vacation rental cabins sleep up to eight, are fully furnished and include appliances, dishes, and linens. Located in Camp Verde, Arizona, off Highway 260, at 1105 N. Dream Catcher Drive, Camp Verde, AZ 86322. 

PR Contact: Erin Forrest

Phone: (928) 263-2121

Email: Eforrest@crrmgmt.com

Award-winning Farmer's Market in Lake Havasu City

The Lake Havasu Farmers Market was recently honored by Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods as one of five farmer's markets nationwide that significantly contributes to the local community. The honor comes with a $5,000 donation. The market encourages economic development and builds relationships among the community by bringing together farms, vendors, businesses, organizations, and families that support the Lower Colorado River community.  The market is year-round and held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8:00 a.m. – noon at The KAWS, on Main Street in Lake Havasu's Downtown District.  In the summer, the market is completely indoors and averages about 16 vendors. From October – April, the average number of vendors is 35. https://www.facebook.com/lakehavasufarmersmarket; https://www.instagram.com/lake_havasu_farmers_market;

PR Contact: Jason Castellucci, Go Lake Havasu

Tel: (928) 453-3444 x 133

Email: jason@golakehavasu.com 

Flight Service 

Swoop, Canada's leading ultra-low-cost carrier released its expanded winter schedule

Swoop has released its expanded winter schedule featuring the re-introduction of flights to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. During the winter, the airline will provide travellers with flights to sun and fun destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, Las Vegas and Mesa/Phoenix in the U.S., and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán in Mexico. Beginning September 17, 2021, they will fly between Edmonton and Mesa/Phoenix four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Flights between Toronto and Mesa/Phoenix begin on November 2, 2021 with flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flights between Winnipeg and Mesa/Phoenix begin November 1, 2021 with twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Friday. Go to www.FlySwoop.com/ for more. 

PR contact: Swoop media relations

Email: media@flyswoop.com

PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Updates - Come Fly with Us 

Many new airlines have added or restarted routes:

Allegiant Airlines - Allegiant Air announced in May that the airline will begin service to Provo, Utah; and Stockton, Calif. beginning in October. Allegiant is a new airline to Phoenix Sky Harbor.

American Airlines - On May 27, American began its inaugural PHX-Bozeman (BZN) service. Bozeman is a new market for Phoenix. American also resumed its Jackson Hole service on May 27. On June 2, American began its inaugural PHX-Eureka, Humboldt County, Calif. (ACV) and PHX-Idaho Falls (IDA) routes. Eureka, Humboldt County in the California Redwoods is a new market for Phoenix. Idaho Falls is also a new market for Phoenix. American also resumed its Santa Fe and Rapid City service on June 1. Both routes had been suspended since April 2020.

Southwest Airlines - On June 6, Southwest Airlines began its inaugural Phoenix-Bozeman service. The service will run Saturdays and Sundays June 6– Aug. 15. Southwest also kicks off the inaugural flights to Hawaii soon. Phoenix to Honolulu will fly twice daily beginning June 27 and Phoenix to Maui will also begin flying once daily beginning June 27.

Spirit - On May 27, Spirit Airlines announced a new PHX-St. Louis route. The daily flight will start Nov. 17 and go through March. St. Louis is a new market for the airline. American and Southwest also serve St. Louis.

To see a list of all the places you can fly from PHX, visit our Where We Fly page.

Haven't traveled in a while? Check out our COVID-19 page for airport updates.

Canada's only true ULCC announces U.S service to 6 new sun destinations, bringing Canadians the lowest fares to their favorite places

Flair Airlines, Canada's only true Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), announces non-stop, low fare flights between eight Canadian cities and six U.S destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, Hollywood-Burbank, Palm Springs and Las Vegas. The ultra-low fares will start between $79 to $109 CAD one-way. 

PR Contact: Jamina Kotak

Phone: (780) 887-9209

Email: Jamina.kotak@flyflair.com 

 

General 

First U.S. destination to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supporting accessible travel market

Mesa, Ariz. is the first U.S. travel destination to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a program lauded for supporting travelers with various needs as a way for them to secure additional support they may require while traveling. Developed and launched in the United Kingdom, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is now a recognized icon that accessible travelers can utilize to discreetly be identified as having a disability. Visit Mesa, the City of Mesa's destination marketing organization, is the first Arizona Visitor Center to offer the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower complimentary lanyards and bracelets. When worn, the sunflower serves as a visual cue to trained visitor industry staff throughout Mesa who will then be able to recognize if that traveler, or traveler's companion, would like additional support during their visit.  

Visit Mesa is also launching an online resource for accessible travelers planning trips to Mesa, www.AccessibleAz.com  The site is full of travel-related links to information and resources helpful prior to visiting the area.  To learn more about the Sunflower Campaign, watch an informative video on the use and application of the sunflower lanyards and bracelets at: https://www.visitmesa.com/travel-accessibility/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-program/ 

PR Contact: Michelle Streeter, Senior Vice President, Communications, Visit Mesa  

Direct: 480-682-3638 Toll-free: 800-283-6372 x345 

E-mail: Michelle@VisitMesa.com 

The London Bridge in Lake Havasu City has a brighter future 

On the eve of its 50th anniversary since its official dedication in 1971, the famed London Bridge in Lake Havasu City has a brighter future. A $281,000 lighting refurbishment will replace the bulbs and wiring in 700 lights on the underside of the north and south face of the bridge. New software will provide versatility to use colors and synchronization for special displays such as red, white and blue for the Fourth of July. The iron street lamps on top of the bridge made by the British out of the melted-down metal from Napoleon's cannons will remain the same. Work for the project is expected to be completed by October.  Take a virtual tour, including 360-degree views of the London Bridge and English Village: https://www.londonbridgetour.com

PR contact:  Jason Castellucci, Go Lake Havasu

Tel: (928) 453 3444 x 133

Email: jason@golakehavasu.com

Registration open for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 

The Salt River Indian Community Fire Department will be hosting the 5th annual Memorial Stair Climb at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on September 11, 2021, to honor and remember the fallen firefighters on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Each participant pays tribute to an FDNY firefighter, police officer, or EMS by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Each climber will be issued a tag with the name and picture of one of the fallen to carry throughout the climb, symbolically completing their journey to the top of the World Trade Center Towers. Through firefighters and community participation, they hope to ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS personnel are honored, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. Registration:  Click here $30, includes a commemorative t-shirt designed by State Forty Eight and participation/entry into the event.   

PR Contact: Maureen Aldrich, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 

Phone: (48) 362-6641

Email: maureen.aldrich@srpmic-nsn.gov 

 

Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships return after 31 years, Oct. 15-17, 2021     

The famed London Bridge isn't the only thing that links Lake Havasu City to its fascinating past. The city was once home to the premier outboard powerboat race in the world. In a blast from the past, the Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships returns Oct. 15-17, 2021, in time for the rededication of the London Bridge. The outboard races will be part of the NGK Sparkplugs Formula 1 Powerboat Series. The original Outboard Championships in Lake Havasu City began in 1964 and continued through 1990.  The three-day event will feature racing in three classes: Formula 1, Tri-Hull and Formula Lights. Race headquarters and free fan viewing is expected to be at the Nautical Beachfront Resort.

PR contact:  Jason Castellucci, Go Lake Havasu

Tel: (928) 453 3444 x 133

Email: jason@golakehavasu.com

 

COVID-19 Updates in Arizona
For visitor guidance due to COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, a list of tourism-related reopenings or closures, and a link to public health guidelines, click here: https://www.visitarizona.com/covid-19/. Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates, please check their website for hours of operation.

Connect

Newsroom: https://www.visitarizona.com/newsroom/ 
Official State Travelers Guide: http://digital.milespartnership.com/view/arizona-official-travel-guide/arizona-official-state-travel-guide/arizona-2020-21