Scottsdale celebrates Travel and Tourism Week, recognizes $3.7 billion industry impact

Scottsdale is tipping its hat to the people and places that make it one of the nation’s premier travel destinations during National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), taking place May 3–9. This annual celebration recognizes the vital role travel plays in powering economies, supporting communities and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Travel generates $3 trillion in economic output across the U.S. and supports more than 15 million jobs. Scottsdale’s share of that impact is significant. In 2025, the city welcomed 11.7 million visitors who poured $3.7 billion into the local economy.

But tourism’s impact on Scottsdale goes far beyond visitor experiences. It generates nearly $75.8 million for the city’s general fund, helping pay for essential services like police, fire, transportation infrastructure, public events and capital improvements. More than 28,500 jobs directly attribute to the tourism sector including two of the city’s top 10 employers – Choice Hotels and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

“As Scottsdale marks its 75th anniversary, it’s a good moment to reflect on how our community has created lasting experiences for generations of visitors while strengthening our local economy,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “That success comes from a continued focus on public safety, quality infrastructure and well-maintained public spaces. Those fundamentals shape the experience people have here and support a strong, resilient economy.”

Old Town Scottsdale continues to be a major draw with Scottsdale tourists. Visitors enjoy a unique mix of cultural attractions, including seven museums, two performing arts theaters, over 45 public art installations, more than 50 galleries and hundreds of restaurants, bars, boutiques and retailers – many of them locally owned. Old Town Scottsdale also continues to be the choice for new locations. Old Town Scottsdale remains a premier destination for new openings. In the last year, several nationally recognized brands and event producers chose the area for their newest locations and events, including The REMI Scottsdale, AC Hotel, Pinyon, Din Tai Fung and Every Woman’s Marathon.

“Tourism is the beating heart of Scottsdale’s economy,” said Kevin Burke, Scottsdale’s senior director of economic development and tourism. “Scottsdale’s breathtaking landscape combined with modern luxuries, state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury golf and resort facilities, prestigious arts community, elite events and friendly local business owners offer tourists one-of-a-kind experiences.”

Cities around the nation join together for National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) to recognize the travel industry and its significant contribution to the U.S. economy.

“Experience Scottsdale has been proud to partner with the city of Scottsdale in supporting this essential industry for nearly 40 years,” said Rachel Sacco, president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale, the city’s contracted destination marketing organization. "We strive to keep Scottsdale top of mind with luxury travelers who maximize the benefit to our community — visitors who fill our city’s tax coffers, generate millions in revenue for our businesses, appreciate our history and culture, and respect our residents and natural environment.”

To mark NTTW, Scottsdale is encouraging residents and visitors to show their appreciation by shouting out their favorite local shop, restaurant, art gallery, or hospitality employee on social media using #NTTW2026 and #Scottsdale.