ARIZONA SALES GUIDE 2006-2007 A supplement to the September 2006 issue of www.arizonaguide.com Table of Contents FEATURES Why Arizona? . .4 Canadians are visiting Arizona in record numbers. Find out why Phoenix and Central Arizona ............8 The perfect balance of city comforts and wide-open spaces Tucson and Southern Arizona . .28 Wild West history and a progressive modern city Northern Arizona . .36 8 Timeless natural wonders and the historic “Mother Road” North Central Arizona . .42 Cool, pine-scented forests and mountain retreats Arizona’s West Coast . .46 Desert sunshine meets the cool waters of the Colorado River The ART of Selling Arizona . .50 Industry expert Steve Crowhurst’s tips on selling the Grand Canyon State ARIZONA INFO Canadian Tour Operators Selling Arizona . .51 36 Chamber Listings . .53 ARIZONA – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER Published 12 times a year by 1104 Hornby Street,Suite 203 Vancouver,British Columbia Canada V6Z 1V8 THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Contents © 2006 by ACT Communications Inc. Tel: (604) 699-9990 Printed in Canada All Rights Reserved.ISBN 1207-1463 Fax: (604) 699-9993 Cover Photos: Grand Canyon by Joel Grimes; Lake Powell by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas; AZ88 by Joel Grimes; The Westin La Paloma by Robin Hood 43 Canadian Traveller • September 2006 • ARIZONA 3 WHY ARIZONA? Arizona is a melting pot of cultures beginning with the prehistoric inhabitants of the area and moving through native tribes and Spanish explorers. Clients can view the heritage at historic sites, museums and archaeological digs around the state. Natural Resources Boasting a movie-backdrop landscape, Arizona offers natural attractions and adventure in one of the world’s most varied and beautiful playgrounds. Snaking its way 443 kilometres across the desert, Arizona’s Grand Canyon is the main attraction in northern Arizona. This vast, multi-hued chasm receives more than five million guests a year, while the red sandstone spires of Monument Valley pierce the sky on the Navajo Nation Reservation. At the other end of the state, the grottoes of Kartchner Caverns State Park descend underground and the eroded volcanic spires of Chiricahua National Monument reach for the sky. And then, there is the desert. Saguaro National GREATER PHOENIX CVB Park near Tucson is a showcase for the Sonoran Selling Arizona is so easy because there’s so much to and art, while the nearby Casa Grande Ruins are Desert with its forests of saguaro cactuses. Clients can do and see in its five distinct regions. Phoenix and thought to have been used for astronomical observa- learn more about the desert at the renowned Arizona- Central Arizona exude a quiet sophistication, while the tion. Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, near Sonora Desert Museum, also near Tucson. highlands of the North Central region offer a comfort- Globe, is considered one of the best pre-Columbian In southern Arizona, birders flock to Sierra Vista to able respite from the desert heat. The Grand Canyon sites in the Southwest. And near Camp Verde is see hummingbirds and sandhill cranes in Willcox, and dominates Northern Arizona, the West Coast – yes, the spectacular Montezuma Castle National Arizona has a west coast – is THE place for water- Monument, a five-storey cliff dwelling built by the sports and Tucson and Southern Arizona preserve the Sinagua more than 600 years ago. We’re here For You Old West experience and traditions. Native American The Spanish reign lasted until 1854, but the The Arizona Office of Tourism’s Canadian office history, the Spanish influence and the culture are language, food and customs of its conquistadors and is here to help you sell the Grand Canyon State all showcased against the spectacular desert and priests enliven the state today. Visit the lovely more effectively. Contact us at: mountain scenery. Mission San Xavier del Bac, near Tucson, and the remains of Spanish establishments at Tubac Living History Presidio State Historic Park and Tumacacori Arizona Office of Tourism Arizona is a melting pot of cultures beginning with the National Historic Park. 55 Town Centre Court, Suite 642 prehistoric inhabitants of the area. These unknown For a taste of the Wild West, visit Tombstone, Toronto, ON M1P 4X4 souls left relics of stone and clay, galleries of rock art, “The Town Too Tough To Die”, which offers re-enact- Tel: (416) 861-1240 and wood and stone houses scattered across the ments of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Fax: (416) 861-1108 state. Fortunately, the dry climate has helped to To follow in the footsteps of the earliest settlers E-mail: [email protected] preserve many of the artifacts that identify and illumi- head to Tubac and the start of the Arizona portion of the Websites: nate the lives of these ancient people. Anza Trail. The route traces the one taken by colonists www.ArizonaGuide.com In Phoenix, the Heard Museum offers one of the who trekked to San Francisco in 1775 and stops in www.ArizonaVacationValues.com most extensive displays of Native American artifacts Tucson and Yuma. www.ArizonaScenicRoads.com 4 ARIZONA • September 2006 • Canadian Traveller 44 45 Canadian Traveller • September 2006 • ARIZONA 5 WHY ARIZONA? head to the world-famous Madera Canyon in the popular, the FBR Open, draws more than 400,000 Why Canadians Love Santa Rita Mountains. On the west coast, near Yuma, spectators a year. Arizona the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Betty’s Kitchen Fans also flock to other professional sports. Major and Mittry Lake Wildlife area attract Canada geese, League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks,NBA’s There’s no question Canadian travellers love egrets and great blue herons. Phoenix Suns and NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, the Arizona because this year-round destination has Hikers, walkers and trailriders can follow the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the Arena Football so much to offer, including a wide variety of activ- Arizona Trail a continuous, 1,280-kilometre, non- League’s Arizona Rattlers play in Phoenix, and the ities; family adventure; golf and spa opportuni- motorized trail that stretches across Arizona from NFL’s Arizona Cardinals play in Tempe. ties; excellent accommodation, from luxury to Mexico to Utah, linking deserts, mountains, canyons, Major League Baseball’s Cactus League pre- more affordable choices; Native culture; Mexican communities and people. season games let fans see the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, heritage; and, most importantly, excellent value. Yes, it is true, your clients can ski in Arizona. When the Anaheim Angels in Tempe and the Colorado The Arizona Office of Tourism’s Web site – the snow falls, they can head to Mt. Lemmon, near Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Arizona www.arizonavacationvalues.com – offers easy Tucson, Sunrise Ski Resort near Pinetop-Lakeside or Diamondbacks tune-up for their season in Tucson. access to year-round discounted accommoda- to the dry powder conditions of the Snowbowl Ski tions and packages, many commissionable to Resort near Flagstaff. Resorts to Ranches travel agents. Updated daily, the site features For some people, an unforgettable vacation means more than 100 discounts to the state’s cultural Golf & Sports being pampered at a luxury resort, with elegant restau- and heritage attractions, resorts, entertainment Golf is a passion in Arizona. Boasting approximately rants and full-service spas a short stroll away. Matched venues, retail outlets, golf courses, day tours and 325 golf courses and counting, Arizona has a tee time with superb golf courses and relaxing spas, these air travel. and a skill level for every player. In fact, there are more award-winning properties are destinations unto them- • Most Visited Places: Phoenix and Scotts- golf courses per capita in Arizona than anywhere else selves. Other people opt for spending days in the dale, Tucson, Sedona, Grand Canyon. west of the Mississippi, all of which offer enough tee- saddle and nights sleeping in a bedroll under the stars. • Undiscovered Gems: White Mountains, times for 2.5 million golfers. Several of the state’s Arizona offers guest ranch and dude ranch vacations Yuma, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu, Route 66, courses are included in Golf Digest’s list of America’s and plenty of outfitters who guide clients into the desert Arizona’s Scenic Byways. Greatest 100 Golf Courses, and 15 holes are on its list and mountains for extended pack trips. For still others, • Native Heritage: 21 tribes in Arizona of the top 500 in the world. The PGA and LPGA each a true vacation means relaxing for a night or two in a include the Apache, Navajo, Hopi, Pima. hold two tournaments in the state, and the most historic hotel or a mountain lodge. ✹ • Golf: Approximately 325 courses through- out the state range from traditional desert- style to links-style courses. • Outdoor Recreation: Whitewater rafting Good Grub along the Colorado River, mountain climb- ing, hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, Culinary tourism is one of the fastest growing niches boating, jet skiing, house boating, hot air in Arizona. Cuisine of every kind, much of it by ballooning, Jeep and Hummer tours. award-winning chefs, can be found in every corner • Accommodation to Suit all Types: Self- of the state, ranging from continental creations to catering apartments, budget motels, bed authentic Native American and Mexican food. and breakfasts, ranches, R.V. parks, chain It’s also no surprise that once back home people hotels, luxury spa and golf resorts and con- long to recreate some of the delicious meals they dos, all-suite style. experienced. Fortunately, Arizona food manufac- •Spas: An unbelievable collection that in- turers understand this desire. Many now sell their cludes some of the very best in the U.S. products in shops scattered throughout the state, • Extended Stays: Many Canadians spend as well as online.