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Vacations With Less Travel Locals’ contribution to Arizona’s tourism industry BY DRS. CHRISTINE VOGT AND KATHLEEN ANDERECK
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This year has not been the year many of us expected. In the middle of March, Arizona’s Cactus League was in full swing, resorts were at full occupancy, and the weather was glorious. Some may have been on a spring break trip— which would turn out to be their last vacation of 2020. But Arizona was not immune to the virus that was beginning to make its way throughout the world, the U.S., and our state. Our ability to travel freely and do all the recreation activities that are important in our lives ended suddenly. For the past nine months, the directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been to stay home— meaning no vacations, and no travel for any reason. Business travel has largely ceased, events have been cancelled, attractions closed, and along with that, many summer and fall vacation plans cancelled or delayed. Now we face decisions about holiday travel for visiting family, or maybe a trip for skiing or other winter activities. And rightfully so. With the pandemic not yet under control, we are still being cautioned not to travel, or to avoid particular modes of transportation or types of vacations and activities. A result of this travel hiatus is an enormous impact on travel destinations worldwide. Arizona’s tourism industry is significant to the state’s economy. The current estimate is a loss of $9 billion of direct visitor spending in the tourism revenues for the first half of 2020, according to the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. This is impacting many employees in tourism and hospitality, businesses large and small, and government-operated venues such as Sky Harbor
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GREEN LIVING
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greenlivingmag.com
Airport. Tourism is hurting, and so are the people, businesses, and communities that depend on it for their livelihoods. As tourism researchers and educators, one of the first topics we cover with students or on surveys we conduct around the state of Arizona is, “Why do people travel?” What needs or motives underlie the act of travel? The most popular motives are to spend time with family or friends, be outdoors or experience culture, meet new people, see new places, try new activities, relax, and be safe and healthy while on vacation. While our instinct is to wander far and wide, these motives can also be fulfilled by staying close to home and taking vacations that require less travel time. While tourism is often considered trips that are greater than 50 miles away from home, with the pandemic, getaways of any distance can satisfy many travel motives. Arizona as a destination has much to offer local residents, as well as seasonal or winter visitors. We can get our vacation fix and help our local and state’s economy at the same time. The Arizona Office of Tourism is now promoting staycations,