Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently announced the release of $101 million in federal funds to help jump-start the state’s tourism industry, which was hit hard during the pandemic. Thanks to federal American Rescue Plan funding, the Visit Arizona Initiative, a program designed to “increase visitation and tourism spending in Arizona, bolster job creation and accelerate economic recovery,” was created. It includes funding for destination marketing organizations statewide, reinvigo­rating local community programs and events, and marketing support for domestic and international flights and outdoor recreation.

“Tourism is essential for Arizona’s booming economy and job growth,” Ducey said in a statement. “When visitors from across the globe travel to our great state, they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, buy our products and enjoy our recreational activities. Their investments benefit Arizonans, and the Visit Arizona Initiative will help our tourism sector prosper — and continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

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