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Tourism and Recreation in Tucson

The prevalence of tourism and recreation as an economic sector and local lifestyle is one of the most visible and important characteristics of metropolitan Tucson and Pima County. In addition to its historical and cultural assets, the metropolitan area is surrounded by scenic mountains and desert wild lands that provide numerous opportunities for enjoyment. The Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, two of the WALTER study sites, are among the most popular recreational areas in Greater Tucson. According to 2002 data provided by the City of Tucson, tourism accounts for one of every ten jobs and contributes more than $1.8 billion a year to the local economy. Travel and tourism, among the most rapidly growing economic s in the City, are responsible for some 40,000 jobs in the area (demographic and economic statistics online).

Statistics such as number of visitors, total and average number of nights spent in commercial and private accommodations, reasons for visit, types of activities pursued, and economic impacts on the community help us understand the nature and extent of its importance.

The peak tourism season in Tucson is January through May; October through December constitutes shoulder season, and June through September the low season. Local residents engage in recreation all year, seeking out cooler spots in the surrounding mountains and hiking during night or early morning hours in the summer.

While little extensive data on outdoor recreation in the wildlands surrounding Tucson exists, occasional studies provide insight into the degree of its importance to the community. According to a special survey covering August 1995 through July 1996, 2.5 million individuals visited the metropolitan area. Some 1.1 million of these visitors stayed in commercial accommodations (see right sidebar).

The average length of stay for hotel visitors was 4.8 million nights; those staying in private homes had a longer average stay: 7.5 nights. Winter visitors, locally known as “snowbirds” stayed an average of 66.8 nights.

The economic impacts of overnight visitors on the local and state economies are considerable. According to the survey, in 1995-1996, visitors spent more than $900 million, generating $1.5 billion in gross revenue impacts on Pima County. Total revenues amounted to $107 million, with almost $63 million accruing to the State of Arizona, $16.8 million to Pima County, and $27.5 million to the City of Tucson.

Three-quarters of all visitors surveyed were visiting the Tucson area for leisure. Outdoor activities were prominent on their list of things to do. Top activities were visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, and Saguaro National Park. Other outdoor spots mentioned included Mount Lemmon and Catalina State Park. Not surprisingly, hiking ranks much lower during low season. Some 43% of visitors indicated interest in outdoor recreation, 27% in photography, and 21% in conservation/nature tourism. Other outdoor interests included fishing, snow skiing, boating, water sports, hunting, and horseback riding.

The authors of the study, Alberta Charney and Julie Leones, highlight the importance of interpreted natural areas to Tucson-area visitors. They observe that local residents benefit from tourism through the wide variety of restaurants and recreation facilities that exist because of tourism. For the community, tourism and recreation facilities, through enhancing quality of life, help business recruitment and retention efforts.

For more information about the above survey, see:

Charney, Alberta and Julie Leones. 1997. Tourism in the Tucson Metropolitan Area: Characteristics and Impacts of Overnight Visitors, 1995-1996. College of Business & Public Administration and College of Agriculture, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, February 1997. 49pp.