With Martha Chapman
26OCT07
Governor Janet Napolitano (centre)
with Jan Lascher of the Arizona
Department of Commerce and Margie Emmermann of the Arizona Office of Tourism
Barry Broome of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council with
Margie Emmermann, Maybelle Ravin
of the RMR Group (now repping AZ in Canada), and Michael Keaveny of the
US Consulate in YYZ
Well-known travel couple Brian Robertson and Stephanie Anevich of Vision 2000
Arizona Calling
It’s not too often you get to hang out with a US Governor. And a lady Governor, at that.
But many travel industry and commerce types did just that recently at the lovely Liberty Grand down by Lake Ontario. The reason? Those crafty Americans are out to woo us Canucks, now that we are giddy with our extra-grande sized loonie.
And guess what? It might even be working.
Did you know that almost half a million of your clients visited AZ last year? That there are 49 non-stop flights every week from Canada? That 72 tour operators offer Arizona product? (I can’t even name 72 Canadian tour operators!)
As Margie Emmermann, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism pointed out, ten years ago her state was perceived as a destination just for snowbirds. But now we love popping down, whether it’s for a few rounds of golf, a gals’ getaway, or exploring the Sonoma Desert, so lush it blooms.
And as Governor The Honorable Janet Napolitano – one of America’s top five governors, according to Time magazine – added: the fact that Canadian visits to her state are up 95% since 2002 is a testament to the strong ties between our country and that state.
She graciously thanked us for sending down Wayne Gretzky and Steve Nash. And promised on behalf of all Arizonans lots of warm hospitality in return.
© Open Jaw