The Arizona Office of Tourism is pleased to provide this monthly update of new and noteworthy items regarding Arizona's tourism industry. Please use this link to access all images. We have resumed press trips for journalists on assignment, if you are interested in visiting Arizona for a story, please reach out to IT Public Relations in NYC via the contact information below.

For more information, contact:

• Becky Blaine at bblaine@tourism.az.gov
• Kim Todd at ktodd@tourism.az.gov
• Marjorie Magnusson at mmagnusson@tourism.az.gov
• Joanna Tejeda at jtejeda@tourism.az.gov
• S. PR Agency of Record: IT PR NYC - Janet Mick at jmick@itpublicrelations.com

 

Culinary

 

Asian/Rock'n restaurant, Wok 'N Roll, opens second location in Phoenix

Scottsdale Asian eatery, Wok 'N Roll has opened a second location in Central Phoenix. Offering a fun and casual dining experience, Wok 'N Roll features build-your-own noodle or rice bowls and classic Chinese dishes and sushi. The handcrafted cocktails are based on classic rock songs, such as the Rosemary Smoke Infused cocktail, Smokin' in the Boys Room, featuring a Japanese Suntory Toki Whisky with Lillet Blanc and Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur. The new 4,000 square-foot location is furnished with red and black booths, crystal chandeliers that change color, rock 'n roll memorabilia and snippets of classic rock lyrics emblazoned on grey/green-hued walls. Dining guests are presented their final bills on classic 8 Tracks.

PR Contact: Cynthia Dunne

Phone: (602) 570-7828

Email: Cynthia@FleurComGroup.com

 

Attractions

 

New art exhibit at Amerind Museum

The Amerind Museum, in Dragoon, announces a new art exhibit on display until January 16, 2022. The exhibit, Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest, explores the effect of climate change and increasing populations on water in the Southwest region of the United States. Arizona-based artists created works, informed by scientific and cultural inquiry, that reflect insight into our relationship with water in our natural, cultural, and political landscapes. Tracing water from the snow-packed peaks of Northern Arizona to the drainages of the Central Arizona Project, through free-flowing rivers to wastewater treatment plants, artists explored water in its many forms and functions to reflect an exhibition of insightful works.

PR Contact: Cindy Beeman

Phone: (520) 586-3666 Ext. 210

Email: cbeeman@amerind.org

 

Luxury boutique opens at Anthem Outlet Mall

The Outlets at Anthem announced the grand opening of a new luxury boutique, ValueLuxe (VLX). VLX features handbags, clothing, accessories and timepieces from coveted designers and top authentic and luxury brands, such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Versace, Burberry, Ferragamo, Tory Burch and more at outlet pricing. The retailer space is 3,500 square feet and includes a 700 square foot in-store VLX Eyewear shop experience, where customers can browse and try on a wide selection of luxury optical frames and sunglasses.

PR Contact: Carrie Fortezzo

Phone: (623) 465-9500

Email: CFortezzo@outletsanthem.com

 

Scottsdale Public Art adds augmented reality to artwork

Eleven artworks in the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection are now enhanced with augmented reality elements. The augmented reality features provide further insight on the artworks from the perspective of the artists, Scottsdale Public Art staff, or others associated with the pieces. Augmented reality allows viewers to see the natural environment through their device's camera with a digital overlay that makes it appear as if the presenters are standing near the artworks. The AR experiences can be found on the Scottsdale Public Art channel of the Hoverlay app, available through app stores.  The experiences can be triggered via Hoverlay when viewers are standing near the physical artworks.

PR Contact: Brian Passey

Phone: (480) 874-4626

Email: BrianP@ScottsdaleArts.org

 

Camp Verde and Coconino National Forest add new trails

The Town of Camp Verde and the Coconino National Forest announce the completion of trails based out of the new Camp Verde Sports Complex. The Verde Vista Loop, is a 5.5-mile non-motorized loop out of a trailhead located in the Sports Complex. The trail climbs about 500' to the top of the White Hills overlooking the Equestrian Center and Sports complex. In addition to the Verde Vista Loop, the 1.6-mile Perimeter Loop Trail is located around the perimeter of the Sports Complex. The 10' wide trail is a more stabilized surface, making this trail easier for casual walkers, bikers and people with strollers.

PR Contact: Michael Marshall

Phone: (928) 554-0828

Email: Michael.marshall@campverde.az.gov

 

Hotel News

 

Phoenix's largest hotel property unveils complete renovation

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Arizona's largest hotel located in the heart of downtown, has opened its doors after a multi-phase renovation. The hotel is one of the first to display Sheraton's new signature key elements, with a new, contemporary design, public spaces and refreshed programming. At the heart of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is the 19,000 square foot lobby that acts as a public square for the hotel. Anchoring the lobby is the brand's signature “Community Table” an inviting workspace designed with amenities to keep guests productive, including built-in lighting, outlets and wireless charging stations. The lobby also features soundproof booths and six “Studios” available for booking through on-demand, contactless booking system. &More, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown's part bar, part coffee shop, and part grab-and-go market, is located in the lobby area and open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The 1,004 guest rooms are equipped with new tools for productivity, such as a height-adjustable work table, integrated power and charging and layered lighting. Sheraton Fitness underwent an $850,000 makeover, with state-of-the-art equipment and on-demand fitness classes. The fitness center features an outdoor Lap Pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: J Public Relations

Phone: (212) 924-3600

Email: sheratonphoenix@jpublicrelations.com

 

Arizona Biltmore completes year-long renovations

The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Phoenix, reopens after a year-long renovation process, costing over $70 million. The historically famous hotel is best known for its Frank Lloyd architectural designs and accommodating celebrities and past presidents. The renovations include the redesign of the 11 guest cottages, the on-site pools, and the Tierra Luna Spa. The Saguaro Pool, the new adults-only pool, features new cabanas furbished with TVs and mini fridges. The family friendly Paradise Pool added a new 65 foot triple slide waterslide, called The Twist, and 15 new cabanas. As part of the renovation, the resort added two new food and beverage concepts to the property. The Spire Bar, the new outdoor bar blends water and fire features, offering live music under the stars. Renata's Hearth is the resort's new restaurant serving contemporary Latin cuisine celebrating smoking and grilling traditions to create complex flavors paired with specialty tequila and mezcals.

PR Contact: Veronica Werhane

Email: ArizonaBiltmore@brandmanagency.com

 

Accolades

 

Chiricahua National Monument certified as an International Dark Sky Park

The National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association awarded Chiricahua National Monument as the 104th International Dark Sky Park. This certification recognizes the quality of the park's night skies and provides added opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming.

Chiricahua National Monument's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Matthew Cahill

Phone: (520) 824-3560

 

Flight Service

 

America's first new mainline airline announces flight route at Phoenix-Mesa Airport

Avelo Airlines, America's first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years, premiered at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) with one-way fares starting at $19 on all routes. Avelo announced a daily flight between Hollywood Burbank Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. For an additional cost, guests can pay for a checked bag, carry-on overhead bag, priority boarding, pets, and seating options. Avelo's 189-seat 737-800 aircraft offers 129 standard slimline 29-inch pitch seats. Pre-reserved window and aisle seating starts at $5. Avelo aircraft also features 60 seats with 31 to 38 inches of pitch. These seats start at $18. Avelo Airline's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Crafted Communications on behalf of Avelo Airlines

Email: aveloair@craftedpr.com

 

New flight routes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced two new flight routes during the summer months. Starting June 10, 2021, Frontier Airlines will offer a flight between Phoenix and Atlanta three days a week. Hawaiian Airlines offers nonstop service, four times a week, between Phoenix and Maui from May 21 through August 15, 2021.

Phoenix Sky Harbor's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Sky Harbor Media Contact

Email: SkyharborPIO@phoenix.gov

 

Phoenix-Mesa Airport welcomes new airline in November 2021

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport welcomes Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines. The airline will offer flights between the east Mesa airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport starting Nov. 24. The route will operate four times weekly, departing Mesa on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale now with introductory fares starting at $79 one way.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Sun Country Airlines Media Contact

Phone: (651) 900-8400

Email: mediarelations@suncountry.com

 

General

 

Tesla Premium Rideshare Program Launches for Phoenix to Tucson

Falcon Line, a new business headquartered in Scottsdale, is helping travelers move between the Valley and Southern Arizona in Tesla-style, minimizing costs, stress and inconvenience. Equipped with professional drivers, passengers can book a single seat or reserve the entire Tesla Model X for their journey between Phoenix and Tucson. Cars are equipped with retractable desks in the back seats, 5G Wi-Fi and more amenities to make personal and business travel seamless. Travelers can schedule one-way or roundtrip travel online at www.ridefalcon.com, fares range from $100 - $300. Reservations are arranged in advance to assure accommodations can be met. There are two pickup and drop-off locations in Phoenix including one in North Scottsdale at the Scottsdale Quarter and a second near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There is one pickup and drop-off location in Tucson at La Encantada Shopping Center. When travelers book a seat, it's a point-to-point dropoff. If travelers book the entire car, they will get an added benefit of door-to-door service.

PR Contact: Charlotte Shaff

Phone: (602) 418-8534

Email: charlotte@themediapush.com

 

First casino in Arizona to utilize beer enthusiast app

The We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell is the first casino in Arizona to join the beer enthusiast app, Untappd. The casino utilizes the Untappd app to introduce the wide range of draft and local beers available at their onsite sports-themed restaurant, WKP Sports & Entertainment. With over nine million registered users, Untappd offers a robust beer database with access to what's available at popular bars and venues in the area. Users can follow Verified Venues such as WKP Sports & Entertainment to get live tap list updates and access contactless menus, allowing them to discover new beers.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Charlotte Shaff

Phone: (602) 418-8534

Email: charlotte@themediapush.com

 

SuperShuttle reopens operations and routes

SuperShuttle has started operating again in the Phoenix Valley. The Scottsdale based company is best known for driving people to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and others around the country in blue-and-yellow vans. Travelers have the option to book shared, private and express rides on their website.

SuperShuttle's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Alan Gildersleeve

Email: Awgildersleeve@gmail.com

 

Hotel Packages & Staycations

 

Train excursions on Arizona's historic railroads

Free Spirit Vacations and Events introduces a new way to explore Arizona's historic railroads in two days and one night. The “Arizona Rails Package” offers transportation to and from Phoenix, classic train excursions on the Grand Canyon Railway and the Verde Canyon Railroad, a one night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and transportation and guided visits to the Grand Canyon and the Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale. Priced at $660 per person and $550 per person for a group of two, the package is offered on September 9-10, 2021 and February 2-3, 2022. Reservations can be made by emailing reservations@freespiritvacations.com or calling (480) 926-5547.

PR Contact: Suzanne Hagberg

Phone: (480) 415-4613

Email: suzanne@freespiritvacations.com

 

Spring Adventure Packages to explore Page

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell launched new adventure-focused packages in partnership with local tour operators, Big Orange Jeep Tours and Epic Adventure Rides, to offer guests exciting excursions among the natural wonders of the region, in addition to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. All packages are available to book until the end of 2021. Starting at $210 per night, the “Hyatt Stay & Paddleboard Package” includes a paddleboard excursion for two hosted by Big Orange Jeep Tours. Equipment including life jackets and I-Rocker inflatable, stand-up paddleboards provided. Rental accessories can be picked up and dropped off at Big Orange Jeep Tours, located 0.4 miles from the hotel. The “Hyatt Stay & Epic Adventure Package”, starting at $310 per night, offers a Canyon and Cliffs UTV Tour hosted by Epic Adventure Rides. The tour takes guests across the desert trails, sandy washes, sand dunes and red rock sandstone of the Grand Stair Escalante National Monument. There are two tour options available, a two-hour Self-Driven Tour with a max of four guests, rates from $400 a night and a two hour Guide-Driven Tour with a max of three guests, rates from $350 a night. Starting at $150 a night, the “Hyatt Stay & Off the Beaten Path Package” comes with a map guide to explore the city of Page and a picnic lunch for two packed with sandwiches, fruit, chips, granola bars and water. The map guide features some of the city's best hiking trails and hidden gems. 

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Savannah Kirmis

Phone: (480) 626-8290

Email: savannah@jlaurenpr.com

 

Sedona resort launches adventure-focused package

Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona launched the “Sedona Adventure Package” starting from $259 per night. The package offers a guest room, daily fresh squeezed juice or smoothie per guest, a seven-day Red Rock Pass to explore trails in Sedona, a book of Sedona's best hikes, and a souvenir Amara collapsible cooler bag packed with a picnic lunch for each guest from the onsite restaurant, SaltRock. The  “Sedona Adventure” package is available to book through December 28, 2021. A two-night minimum stay is required. The offer is not commissionable and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.

Amara Resort and Spa's response to COVID-19.

PR Contact: Savannah Kirmis

Phone: (480) 626-8290

Email: savannah@jlaurenpr.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