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The Tucson metropolitan area attracts more than 3.5 million tourists each year from around the world to enjoy the climate, the beautiful Sonoran Desert and the majestic mountains that ring the city.
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the state of Arizona. It is the third-largest and one of the most rapidly growing industries in Tucson.
Tucson has over 300 annual days of sunny weather conditions and it has a natural ability to attract winter visitors from colder climates. Winter temperatures average highs of 70 degrees and summer temperatures average highs of 98 degrees.
Tourism Sector Highlights
Tucson and Southern Arizona
- 289 local companies
- 44,200 employees
- $2 billion in revenues
(source: Arizona Workforce Informer February 2007, 2005 Star 200, 2003 County Business Patterns, MTCVB 2004-05 Annual Report)
Major Employers
(source: Star 200 2009)
Top Tourist Attractions Attendance (2008-2009)
(source: Book of Lists 2010, starred items reflect 2005-2006 figures)
Learn more about Southern Arizona's Desert Resort Lifestyle. |
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Photo by David Jewell, courtesy Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Quick Facts:
Tucson is home to the world's largest gem, mineral and fossil show, as well as the International Mariachi Festival.
Tucson’s La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo Parade is known as the longest, non-motorized parade in the world.
Tucson is one of only a few cities in the U.S. that have a resident symphony as well as opera, theater, and ballet companies.
Tucson is the only city in the nation to host three Major League Baseball teams for Spring Training in March every year.
Tourism accounts for one of every 10 jobs and adds over $1.8 billion per year to the local economy.
Tucson was given a gold rating for bicycle-friendliness by the League of American Bicyclist in 2006.
Mount Lemmon is the southernmost ski area in the continental United States.
Kartchner Caverns State Park, about 1 ½ hours southeast of Tucson, harbors the second longest stalactite of its kind in the world.
Columbia University’s Biosphere is Located 35 miles northeast of Tucson.
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