YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona's tourism industry continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, bringing billions of dollars in revenue to the state.
According to the latest data from the Arizona Tourism Office, 2023 was a record year for the tourism industry, with local communities like Yuma reaping major benefits.
Last year, Arizona's tourism industry generated $29 billion in visitor spending, a record high, and $4 billion in tax revenue alone. This surge in revenue has helped boost local economies across the state, including the city of Yuma, which broke tourism records.
Josh Coddington, public affairs director for the Arizona Tourism Office, highlighted the impact to Yuma County, saying, “Places like Yuma – visitors spent $695 million in Yuma last year – that money is beneficial all around because it goes directly to the important government services people use.”
This funding will play a critical role in supporting essential services like health care, public safety, and transportation. The tourism boom is also driving job creation. In 2023, Arizona saw a 4.4% increase in tourism-related employment, adding nearly 9,000 new jobs.
State officials believe this growth will further strengthen local communities, including Yuma County, which is already seeing positive ripple effects.
Yuma Tourism Executive Director Marcus Carney emphasized the many benefits tourism brings, including significant tax breaks for local residents.
“This is creating a lot of jobs, it's creating a lot of opportunity. It's providing a tax reduction of about $822 per household,” Carney said.
Local tourism leaders are focused on looking beyond the immediate economic benefits and promoting Yuma as a destination for future visitors.
“It's really about persuading people that this is a place to visit – it stimulates jobs, it stimulates the economy, it stimulates growth in our local community and it puts our region on the map around the world,” Carney added.
As Arizona's tourism industry continues to thrive, Yuma is poised for even more economic growth in the future.
