USA: The South West THE REAL DEAL
Barren deserts, verdant forests, rivers deep, mountains high, spectacular nature and vibrant cities – at every bend in the road the Southwest USA is a region of dramatic contrasts and compelling attractions, says Peter Ellegard
but easily accessible states which together hold an enduring fascination for UK visitors. But while California has the Pacific
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Coast to augment its cities, mountains, wine regions and desert areas, the other three landlocked states point mainly to a handful of iconic tourism magnets. The challenge for the destinations, and
the trade, is to encourage transatlantic tourists to explore the lesser-known but equally fascinating areas they have to offer and stimulate visits year-round. Arizona and Las Vegas (Nevada) are
22 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
he Southwest comprises Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, plus California – four very different
both doing their part by stepping up training efforts with the UK trade to help achieve that. Among recent key events has been the opening of the $240 million Hoover Dam Bypass, featuring the 2,000-foot- long Colorado River Bridge, to relieve pressure on the old, narrow road across the dam and speed up traffic flow between the two states. Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s yawning chasm is the jewel in its tourism crown. The opening in May of a 5,000ft runway at Grand Canyon West Airport now allows for night departures and opens up options for air tours direct from Southern California. Over 30
companies fly into the Hualapai Tribe- operated airport from Nevada and Arizona.
Cosmopolitan Phoenix is Arizona’s
gateway and the start or end point for many escorted tours and fly/drives of the region. Neighbouring Scottsdale is popular for its golf and spa resorts while visitors also often take in Sedona’s red rocks, stunning Monument Valley, Wild West heritage at places including Tombstone, setting for the famous gunfight at the OK Corral, and its Native American heritage. There are 22 sovereign nations in Arizona, including the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe.
The state’s tourist office wants to
increase tourism to southern areas, including Spanish-flavoured; Old Pueblo’, Tucson, and is pushing winter tourism. Las Vegas is now a firm favourite with British holiday-makers, and ‘Sin City’ has been boosted with new direct Virgin Atlantic flights from Manchester and expanded capacity by British Airways this year. Tourism to the city is recovering well and it continues to develop its hotels and world-class attractions, with new entertainment
Clockwise from left: The annual balloon festival in Albuquerque; Welcome to Las Vegas; Tucson in Arizona; Let's go surfin' in Huntingdon Beach
BMI PUBLISHING/LAURA GELDER
BMI PUBLISHING/LAURA GELDER
METROPOLITAN TUSCON CONVENTION BOARD
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