The City of Prescott serves as the area’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and will lead Prescott’s travel and tourism community during the Open House on May 7 in support of government policies that are friendly to travel.
The event is part of the 35th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (May 6-12), which unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.
“It is our duty to assist and recognize the tourism stakeholders and members in their efforts and to continually drive tourism to our city,” said City of Prescott’s Director of Community Outreach and Tourism John Heiney. The stakeholders are recognized as hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, outdoor assets, shops, galleries and other businesses that drive tourism in our community.
May 6-12, Prescott will celebrate what travel means to the community. “We’re calling on everyone, from elected officials to residents, to join us in saluting this important industry, and to support travel-friendly legislation that our local, state and national economies,” he said. “Did you know, approximately 45-60 percent of credit card spending in the Prescott area is generated from out-of-area visitors, which is a major economic driver to the general fund and many businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, retail, grocery stories and gas stations?”
In addition to tourism benefits for the local economy, travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being for residents and visitors of Arizona. Numerous research studies have confirmed the positive health effects of travel and time off, from reducing the risk of heart disease to decreasing depression.
Using time off to travel with family is good for everyone, especially our children –kids who travel with their families are more likely to attend college and earn more as adults. “Extend your thanks to someone you know in the tourism industry!” said Heiney.
During National Travel and Tourism Week, Prescott will officially launch the Heritage Trail, a project initially conceptualized by City Manager Michael Lamar and the Tourism Office, along with community partners during the past year.
“The Heritage Trail will not only be an asset to our community, but an attraction.” said Heiney. The City of Prescott invites its community members to become a tourist in their hometown by completing the Heritage Trail. Maps can be picked up at the Visitor Information Center (117 W. Goodwin St.) starting on May 8. You can follow the Visit-Prescott Facebook page for more information on the Heritage Trail and how to be a “Tourist in your Hometown.”
What is Prescott 365?
To find more information on the local events and happenings in the Prescott area, be sure to follow Prescott 365 at Facebook.com/Prescott 365 and Instagram, @Prescott365. This social media resource was established in 2016 by Margo Christensen, Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, LLC and managed by Donna Werking, Owner of Northern Arizona Social. Its serves as a digital marketing presence for SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and Quality Inn, and to also engage followers with contests and conversation about events and activities in the Prescott area. Followers can sign up for the monthly E-blast to potentially win great prizes that may include show tickets, hotel stays and more. There are more than 3,000 enthusiastic and engaged followers and increasing every day. You’ll find video interviews on local businesses including: The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, Mountain Artists Guild, Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and Prescott Parks and Recreation.
This month, Prescott 365 will launch its community-wide social media campaign, #WeArePrescott. In support of National Travel and Tourism week, your business can take a photo in the custom frame and share your team members on your company’s social media platforms. Simply contact Margo Christensen at Margo@PonderosaHotels.com to schedule your photo opportunity! QCBN
By Donna Werking
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