Feb. 19, 2021
A hiker ascends the summit trail on Piestewa Peak in Phoenix on Feb. 3. Experts are urging people to get moving and get outside to improve both physical and mental health amid the pandemic. (Photo by James Paidoussis/Cronkite News)
The American and Arizona flags fly above the Mesquite trailhead at the base of Piestewa Peak in central Phoenix on Feb. 3. (Photo by James Paidoussis/Cronkite News)
Piestewa Peak, which is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by James Paidoussis/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Nearly a year of isolation and widespread closures has harmed the mental and physical health of many Americans. But Arizona state parks saw record visitation over parts of 2020 – a positive sign to experts urging people to get moving and get outside as COVID-19 continues to spread.
Many Arizonans are planning their next trip right now. In honor of National Plan for Vacation Day, the Arizona Office of Tourism is designating 2021 as Arizona’s Year of the Road Trip.Planning a trip is actually good for you. Nearly every respondent (97%) to a survey from Destination Analysts said having a trip planned makes […]
Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX State lawmakers voted Monday to spend $900,000 in tax dollars in a bid to convince Arizonans and others across the country to visit one of the state s remaining dude ranches. At one point in the 40s . we had as many as 80 of them, Kevin DeMenna, lobbyist for the Arizona Dude Ranch Association told members of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. They were a national draw.
Now, he put the number at closer to 14.
DeMenna said the ranches, like other forms of tourism, were hit hard by the pandemic. And they, like other employers, had to lay off workers.
Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 - 9:33am
The House Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs has approved spending $900,000 in tax dollars in a bid to convince Arizonans and others across the country to visit the state s remaining dude ranches.
Dude ranches, also known as guest ranches, treat visitors to Wild West experiences like horseback riding. According to the Dude Ranch Association website, Arizona s range from small, secluded properties to large, resort-style facilities.
Arizona Dude Ranch Association lobbyist, Kevin DeMenna, told the committee that dude ranches lost their international customer base because of the pandemic, and that a promotional campaign would help spur a domestic market.
UpdatedMon, Jan 25, 2021 at 12:05 pm MT
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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner took the mound in a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 27, 2020. (Matt Yokr/Associated Press)
PHOENIX City and baseball officials want to delay the start of spring training in Arizona, which continues to lead the U.S. in average coronavirus cases and deaths per capita.
Arizona Cactus League Association Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher called on Major League Baseball to make the change because of the coronavirus situation unfolding in Maricopa County, she said in a letter dated Friday and obtained by 12 News. In view of the current state of the pandemic in Maricopa County, with one of the nation s highest infection rates, we believe it is wise to delay the start of spring training to allow for the COVID-19 situation to improve here, she said.