The Cactus League recently released its 2023 season economic impact study, reaffirming its vital role as a driver of room rates, car rentals and restaurants across the Valley and as a month-long event that delivers visitors and economic activity to other parts of the state as well.
With attendance up to 1.5 million after three shortened seasons, this year’s $710.2 million in total economic output was a boon to our tourism industry, putting the event on par with a Super Bowl, but one that happens every single year.
The study, conducted by Seidman Research Institute at ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, estimated that out-of-state visitors alone spent $345 million on lodging, entertainment, retail, transportation and dining, highlighting the huge ROI provided by promoting Cactus League-based travel to Arizona.
With six of every 10 fans visiting us from out-of-state and 22% of fans saying they visited another part of the state during their trip, we are proud to promote Arizona as the ultimate springtime getaway while also encouraging in-market guests to make a road trip or two while they’re here.
Great job on a successful 2023 season to Cactus League President Chris Calcaterra, Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher and all the staff, partners, cities and stadium workers who deliver this amazing experience each year!
Several Tourism Indicators Increase Month Over Month
Updated industry research now available on tourism.az.gov.
- Estimated Tourism Taxes
- State Park Visitation
- Monthly Lodging Performance
- National Parks Visitation revised files: March, April and May
DATA SUMMARY:Estimated tourism taxes in June 2023 increased by 1.4% compared to June 2022. Similarly, Year-to-Date (YTD) increased 4.8%. State park visitation for June 2023 experienced an increase of 7.5% compared to June 2022. Similarly, 2023 YTD visitation is up by 0.1%. Monthly Lodging Performance for July 2023, both ADR and RevPar were up by 1.7% and 4.9% respectively compared to July 2022 while YTD, ADR grew 8.2% and RevPar by 9.1%. For the latest and historical tourism indicator reports, please visit the Data and Trends page on tourism.az.gov.
Spring Training Season Brought $418M to State's Economy in 2023
Arizona Republic
A study by the Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business found that the 2023 spring training season generated $710.2 million in total economic activity. Researchers conducted surveys with 3,386 out-of-state visitors to measure “only new dollars that flowed into the state” during spring training.
Executives Grapple With How Hospitality Must Change To Attract Workers
Hotel News Now
During the "Shaping the Workforce for Today and Tomorrow" panel at the Hotel Data Conference, industry leaders spoke about the ways they're trying to better reach young employees. Part of that effort includes paying competitive wages, but modernizing career development tracks and emphasizing company culture are just as important, panelists said.
Lisa Urias
Director, Arizona Office of Tourism
@AZTourismNews