Yuma becoming a destination hotspot
This week, May 6 - 12, is National Tourism Week, and while that might not be on a lot of people’s radar, the positive effects of tourism on our community are worth taking note of — perhaps even actually celebrating!
For a long time it was the prevailing perception that Yuma was merely a stop on the way to somewhere else, but in recent years there has been quite a shift toward Yuma itself being recognized and enjoyed as a destination hotspot. Last year popular travel portal Trivago selected Yuma as a Top Ten Emerging Travel Destination, and in 2018 Yuma has been listed by internet travel giant Expedia in its Top Five Travel Destinations among small to medium size towns and cities in the U.S.
Perceptions are changing and continue to be changed. This past week Visit Yuma hosted a group of journalists from Mexico City as part of an Arizona Office of Tourism venture. They were struck by the beauty of the area and quality of our attractions and amenities, and impressed by the Yuma community’s support of agriculture and the military and our unique, diverse culture.
To be sure, Yuma has a lot to be proud of, and sharing those things and promoting Yuma as a travel destination has had tremendous local benefits: our most recent totals show that 6,400 local jobs are supported by tourism, $606 million is spent here by travelers in one year, and tourism generates almost $22 million in local tax revenue. Hotel occupancy continues to rise and so does the revenue generated by the hospitality and sales tax.
The bottom line is that all this positive activity adds to the quality of life in Yuma and helps drive economic development. National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to bring attention to this, and at the same time encourage people to participate — get out and learn more about our community and share it with others. Several local entities are offering opportunities to do just that this week.
Today, Sunday, May 6th: Admission will be free to explore the Colorado River State Historic Park, 210 N 4th Ave.
Monday, May 7: Yuma Territorial Prison, 220 Prison Hill Rd., offers an opportunity to step back in time at this fascinating iconic landmark at no charge.
Thursday, May 10, Admission will be free to experience the beauty and historic significance of the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens, 240 S. Madison Ave.
This week, make a point of discovering or re-discovering an aspect of Yuma that helps make it such a great travel destination. There is a lot our community has to offer — a lot to be proud of and to share!