SAFFORD — On Monday, the Safford City Council joined Thatcher, Pima and Graham County in designating The Graham County Chamber of Commerce the official Destination Marketing Organization for the Gila Valley.
Vance Bryce, during June’s Pima Town Council meeting, explained that opens up more opportunities to secure funding to promote activities and events in the Valley.
“So instead of asking for more money from local municipalities, from the county or even from our local businesses, we’re able to go to the state and participate in the programs,” Bryce said.
The Arizona Office of Tourism offers a number of grants and cost-sharing marketing programs for communities with a designated Destination Marketing Organization.
The Chamber receives a significant portion of its annual operating budget from the hotel occupancy tax enacted by the City of Safford, with the specific purpose of promoting the city and the Gila Valley. Graham County, Thatcher and Pima make direct financial contributions to the Chamber.
The Arizona Office of Tourism offers grants for marketing, outdoor recreation revitalization and partnerships.
It also offers its partners access to data and trends. According to Arizona Office of Tourism, Graham County saw $59.1 million in destination spending in 2021, which was up 63.5 percent over 2020. Food service accounted for the largest share of that revenue, at $18.1 million, followed by $11.9 million in retail sales and $11.6 million spent at hotels and other accommodations.
