TOURISM officials in Phoenix, Arizona, are working with counterparts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and San Diego in California to create interest in a new western golden triangle itinerary.
Following the popularity of the traditional Los Angeles/Las Vegas/San Francisco routing, Arizona is hoping to draw more interest in the state through this latest Tri-City Alliance promotion.
UK operators and agents that sell such an itinerary can offer incentives to their clients, such as discounts on shopping, restaurants and attractions. Visitors have to spend a minimum of two nights in each destination to qualify for the concessions, although they do not have to be consecutive nights.
The promotion can be utilised in conjunction with British Airways’ daily non-stop service from Gatwick to Phoenix, which continues on to San Diego.
Clients can fly into Phoenix and return from the BA gateway in California, or vice versa.
With Virgin Atlantic’s new twice-weekly Gatwick-Las Vegas service beginning in June, the Arizona Office of Tourism hopes this will also generate additional interest in the state.
UK director of tourism for Arizona, Michael Squire, said: “Las Vegas and Phoenix are the two main cities in the Southwest, and the new route will probably create some competition for British Airways.
“Virgin also flies into LA, so we could also see some new tour itineraries that include California with Arizona. This would be possible with the airline’s new Las Vegas flights.”
Squire said the development of more multi-centre flydrives would meet a growing need as there is a definite trend for visitors to Arizona to travel independently. Britons are also taking advantage of the cheaper shoulder and off-peak air fares and travelling in February, March and April.
The tourist office has reported an increased interest in visiting Arizona’s native American regions in the northeast. Squire said more Britons are joining local ground tours that specialise in the lifestyle and culture on Indian reservations. Companies beginning to make a presence in the market include Spirit Trails, Navajo Land Tours and Sonoran Sunsets.
The latter operator offers highly specialised tours of Arizona and Sonora – the northern most state of Mexico.
Other niche product includes motorbike tours, spa holidays, ranch stays and golf played on spectacular desert courses.
Staffordshire-based North American Highways, a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, has introduced a new suggested tailor-made itinerary called Arizona’s Painted Deserts.
This includes a drive through dramatic western landscapes, suggested attractions and activities, and excursions led by Navajo guides. It is based on a holiday of up to 20 nights and mileage of over 1,100 miles. Although North American Highways normally sells arrangements only through its own retail outlet, the tour gives a good example of what Arizona can offer.
Squire said: “Britons are starting to feel more comfortable and familiar with Arizona, and are doing more adventurous things.”
TOURISM officials in Phoenix, Arizona, are working with counterparts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and San Diego in California to create interest in a new western golden triangle itinerary.
Following the popularity of the traditional Los Angeles/Las Vegas/San Francisco routing, Arizona is hoping to draw more interest in the state through this latest Tri-City Alliance promotion.
UK operators and agents that sell such an itinerary can offer incentives to their clients, such as discounts on shopping, restaurants and attractions. Visitors have to spend a minimum of two nights in each destination to qualify for the concessions, although they do not have to be consecutive nights.
The promotion can be utilised in conjunction with British Airways’ daily non-stop service from Gatwick to Phoenix, which continues on to San Diego.
Clients can fly into Phoenix and return from the BA gateway in California, or vice versa.
With Virgin Atlantic’s new twice-weekly Gatwick-Las Vegas service beginning in June, the Arizona Office of Tourism hopes this will also generate additional interest in the state.
UK director of tourism for Arizona, Michael Squire, said: “Las Vegas and Phoenix are the two main cities in the Southwest, and the new route will probably create some competition for British Airways.
“Virgin also flies into LA, so we could also see some new tour itineraries that include California with Arizona. This would be possible with the airline’s new Las Vegas flights.”
Squire said the development of more multi-centre flydrives would meet a growing need as there is a definite trend for visitors to Arizona to travel independently. Britons are also taking advantage of the cheaper shoulder and off-peak air fares and travelling in February, March and April.
The tourist office has reported an increased interest in visiting Arizona’s native American regions in the northeast. Squire said more Britons are joining local ground tours that specialise in the lifestyle and culture on Indian reservations. Companies beginning to make a presence in the market include Spirit Trails, Navajo Land Tours and Sonoran Sunsets.
The latter operator offers highly specialised tours of Arizona and Sonora – the northern most state of Mexico.
Other niche product includes motorbike tours, spa holidays, ranch stays and golf played on spectacular desert courses.
Staffordshire-based North American Highways, a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, has introduced a new suggested tailor-made itinerary called Arizona’s Painted Deserts.
This includes a drive through dramatic western landscapes, suggested attractions and activities, and excursions led by Navajo guides. It is based on a holiday of up to 20 nights and mileage of over 1,100 miles. Although North American Highways normally sells arrangements only through its own retail outlet, the tour gives a good example of what Arizona can offer.
Squire said: “Britons are starting to feel more comfortable and familiar with Arizona, and are doing more adventurous things.”