Gov. Jan Brewer announced that Arizona will use state funds to keep Grand Canyon National Park open for an additional nine days if the federal shutdown persists.

When former Scottsdale resident Mark Macias used the New York City subway’s 42nd Street Shuttle this past winter, he was transported not only between Grand Central Station and Times Square but back to his hometown.

Phoenix area’s recovery time after the slump in tourism following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was among the top five fastest of major metropolitan areas in the nation. But recovering to peak tourism levels following the economic crash of 2008 has proven much more difficult.

Arizona’s moderate winters, diverse geography and year-round golfing have long been a draw for visitors from around the country and the world. From the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks to the rich history of Route 66 and Tombstone, the state offers something for just about everyone. The mere existence of these attractions isn’t enough, some say. Making sure would-be visitors actually step foot — and spend money — in Arizona requires investment at the state level. Those in the tourism industry say the state’s appeal needs to be fostered and its promotion consistently funded.

A study sponsored by the Arizona Tourism Alliance paints a grim picture for the industry unless the state reverses some of the budget cuts that already have been approved.

Perhaps the biggest booster of the Arizona Office of Tourism is the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association, a public policy advocate for the industry that represents more than 400 hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts throughout the state.

Despite losing about 65 percent of its budget in the midst of a severe statewide economic crunch, the outlook at the Arizona Office of Tourism seems as bright as the Arizona sun.

The nationwide recession delivered a heavy uppercut to Arizona's tourism industry, but state tourism officials are hoping to avoid a knockout blow by leaning more heavily on foreign travelers.

A state's 100th birthday only happens once, and the current budget crisis shouldn't stop Arizona from ringing it in right, Gov. Jan Brewer said Feb. 17.

You don't have to work at a resort or sell souvenirs to be hurt by the downturn in Arizona's tourism industry, a group of Valley leaders said Sept. 22. "Do you know a teacher, a police officer, a firefighter, a librarian?" Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said. "They're all dependent on tourism because of the sales and property tax it provides."