Canadians Flock to Arizona: Arrivals up 20% for First Half of 2006

Toronto – The latest statistics indicate that Arizona continues to hold its place as a hotspot for Canadians looking to getaway.  A record 342,300 Canadians visited Arizona in the first six months of 2006, a 20% increase from the first half of 2005. Making the number even more incredible is the fact that it is only 80,000 less than the total number of Canadians that visited Arizona in 2005 (422,000).

The number is also impressive when held up against the 4.3% increase in overall Canadian travel to the US. "It's great to see our numbers continue to climb, especially at a time when other destinations are seeing decreases. With the new air service recently added out of Edmonton and Winnipeg, we're confident this trend will continue", said Chris Ryall, Manager – Canada, Arizona Office of Tourism.
 
Arizona continues to hold the # 2 spot out of all US states for Canadian visit nights to the US. In the first 6 months of 2006, Canadian visit nights to Arizona rose 5.7% to 5.8 million visit nights. Arizona now accounts for 8% of all Canadians visit nights in the US.
 
Canadians visiting the Grand Canyon State are also opening their wallets quite generously while south of the border. They spent roughly $346 million during the first six months of 2006, a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2005.
  
Arizona is certainly hot in the Canadian market, thanks in large part to the fact that seat capacity between Canada and Arizona has grown 161% over the last six years. With direct flights out of most major Canadian cities, the missing link is direct air service out of Montreal, as this would certainly increase Canadian arrivals to the Grand Canyon State. The Arizona Office of Tourism is hoping for another banner year in 2007.
 
To obtain more information or brochures on Arizona, the travel trade and media may contact the Arizona Office of Tourism (Canada) at 55 Town Centre Court, Suite 642, Toronto, Ontario M1P 4X4, tel: (416) 861-1240; fax: (416) 861-1108, or email: azinfo@travelmarketingexperts.com Consumers may call toll-free at 1-866-205-9362 or visit www.ArizonaGuide.com for more information.
 

February 27, 2007   Posted in: United States SouthWest