COTTSDALE - Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Arizona -- and we are about to head into peak season.
The President of the Valley Hotel and Resort Associations says tourism is still struggling. The industry is still hurt by businesses reluctant to spend money, and families who just don't have the money to vacation this year.
"Total travel spending in Arizona is $18.5 billion. That's $51 million into our economy every day, so you think about that. That's a lot of money," says Debbie Johnson.
Fewer people are coming to visit our state. That hurts not only the people who own hotels and resorts -- but the thousands of people who work there.
Leisure travel has slowed in the last year. And businesses aren't booking as many conventions and meetings. Mia, a banquet worker at Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, says her bottom line has been hurting. When her hours get cut back, and she loses her full-time status, she's also losing her benefits.
The Valley Resort and Hotel Association says occupancy rates are down 15 percent, and revenue from hotel rooms are down 28 percent.
The peak season for Arizona tourism is January, February and March, but it actually begins next month -- October, when temperatures start going down.
Hotels and resorts are hoping the golfers, the business meetings, and families start booking Arizona again.
$2.6 billion from the tourism industry goes to Arizona in tax revenues.
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