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ABOUT TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AREAS

The Tourism Improvement Area (TIA) is a private-sector-driven initiative designed to boost Arizona’s economy by enhancing tourism marketing and promotion. Through voluntary contributions from lodging businesses representing 67% or more of total rooms within a designated area, the TIA creates a dedicated fund to attract more visitors, increase spending, and support local jobs—all without relying on resident taxpayer dollars.
This innovative approach empowers communities to showcase their unique attractions, drive economic growth, enhance quality of life and ensure Arizona remains a competitive and thriving destination for travelers.

Tourism Improvement Areas_ Funding Futures

WHY SHOULD ARIZONA ENABLE TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AREAS?

1

Arizona needs to stay competitive

Arizona is losing valuable market share to states like Texas and California, which are significantly outspending us in tourism marketing. This bill creates a private-sector-driven solution to level the playing field, giving us the tools to effectively compete and bring visitors back to Arizona, all without relying on public taxpayer funding.

2

Not a mandate

This legislation simply gives municipalities the option to establish a Tourism Improvement Area (TIA) if they choose, and regardless of whether your district adopts it, you’ll still benefit from increased visitors and higher spending statewide.

3

Business growth

The Tourism Improvement Area (TIA) is a business-driven initiative designed to fuel economic growth by attracting more visitors, increasing spending, and creating jobs. By empowering local businesses to lead the way, TIA strengthens Arizona’s economy and ensures we remain competitive in the national and global tourism markets.

HOW DO TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AREAS WORK?

Tourism Improvement Areas are created through a lodging industry petition process and approval by a local government.

  1. Lodging businesses representing at least 67% of the rooms within a proposed district sign a petition requesting the formation of a Tourism Improvement Area.

  2. The petition outlines the proposed district boundaries, assessment rate, and tourism programs to be funded.

  3. The city or county reviews the petition and adopts a resolution of intention.

  4. A public hearing is held to allow lodging businesses and the public to provide input.

  5. The governing body may approve the Tourism Improvement Area and authorize the assessment.

Once established, the district provides dedicated funding for tourism promotion and marketing programs designed to increase visitation and overnight stays.

25

States who have passed TIA legislation. 9 states are in consideration.

220

Established Tourism Improvement Areas Nationally

4.5%

Lift in Hotel Room Revenue after TIA was established

2.1%

Lift in Room Demand after TIA was established

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from Arizona business leaders on why enabling a Tourism Improvement Area (TIA) matters.

CONTACT

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