AZ January tourism activity up, 75 take advantage in debut of Safford air service

Restaurant and bar sales increased 3 percent in Arizona in January, according to data released Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by the Arizona Office of Tourism. - Helena Lopes Photo/Pexels

Posted By: David Bell March 19, 2025

PHOENIX — Almost $1.9 billion was spent in Arizona restaurants and bars in January, an increase of 3 percent over the same time last year.

That’s according to data released Wednesday by the Arizona Office of Tourism and the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University.

All of the tourism sectors showed sales increases in January: Retail sales were up 2.7 percent, to $8.1 billion; lodging sales increased 1.7 percent to $485.9 million; and amusement sales were at $202.9 million, up 12.1 percent.

Cassandra Lejoly exits the Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines plane Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, after the flight arrived in Phoenix. Lejoly was the first customer to purchase a ticket on the new passenger air service from Safford to Phoenix. Also pictured is Safford Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano, left, who participated in the inaugural flight.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Commercial air travel was also up 1.5 percent in January, with 4.5 million enplanements/deplanements across eight Arizona airports.

Scenic Airlines commercial air service from Safford to Phoenix was not included in the data, as the service began in January. However, Safford Regional Airport officials said there were 75 enplanement passengers in January.

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