Visit Arizona: The Grand Canyon State is great for year-round adventure

It is always a perfect time to travel to Arizona -- there is much that the Grand Canyon State has to offer. It has been a hot fall in Chicago, but we all know as we know as we slid into November that this will not last. For adventure travelers there are three choices. We can act like a bear and hibernate, we can embrace winter adventure travel sports like cross-country skiing, or we can seek warmer climes.

For those interested in number three Arizona is a great option. For more information on Arizona national parks check out Karen Sweenney Justice the Phoenix National Parks and Federal Lands Examiner. 

Below is a communiqué from the Arizona Office of Tourism:

Touring and traveling throughout Arizona is a dynamic experience that is as diverse in its inspiring scenery as it is in the rich heritage and culture that defines it. For many states across the nation, including Arizona, the travel and tourism industry is a vital economic driver that contributes greatly to our local and state economies – and we welcome you from far and wide to our vibrant state. 

The travel and tourism industry contributes significantly to Arizona’s economic vitality and is an essential tool to growth and development. Every county (15) in Arizona is impacted by this powerful industry. In fact, for many rural communities, tourism is the number-one revenue generator for their region. Last year more than 35 million people visited Arizona and spent $16.6 billion throughout the state.

The total number of visitors to Arizona in 2010 is expected to climb as both tourists and business travelers benefit from improving economic conditions and embrace what the state has to offer. 

There is already evidence of the tourism industry in Arizona getting back on its feet, as organizations that have held their conventions and meetings in Arizona over the last few months have experienced record attendance.  According to Sherry Henry, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona hasn’t changed what it offers leisure and business travelers. 

“The climate, cultural diversity and natural beauty of Arizona are a tremendous draw for people from all over the world,” Henry said. “Both domestic and international guests to Arizona are realizing that the state has the same beauty and attributes it has always had for our visitors. 

“From Arizona’s outdoor adventures and celebrated history to relaxing spas and delicious local cuisines – the Grand Canyon State has something for everyone to enjoy.”

The state also serves as a destination for upcoming major sporting events, including the Insight Bowl held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe; the Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship Game, played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, the Waste Management Open held at the TPC of Scottsdale, the largest attended golf tournament in the world; and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, to be held in downtown Phoenix and Cactus League Spring Training, played throughout Maricopa County. 

If you add the more than 300 golf courses in Arizona, the 4,000 miles of hiking trails and the dozens of spas and resorts, there really are options for just about everyone. 

Visit www.arizonaguide.com for more information.

Arizona is a wonderful place to explore. The most obvious choice is the Grand Canyon. However, the state also has a diversity of other areas with completely different ecosystems. Humphrey's Peak and the surrounding mountains near Flagstaff offer great mountain hiking and skiing, Sedona has beautiful canyons and red painted cliffs, and further south the Saguaro National Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument provide beautiful desert scenery.

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