Tourism officials visit Williams<br>

Arizona Office of Tourism reps Karen Scates and Michael Leyva are flanked by Arizona State Railroad Museum Foundation President Al Richmond, left, and Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce President Donna Cochran, right, during a Nov. 11 visit to discuss and examine firsthand some of Williams upcoming tourism attractions.

AOT representatives visited on Nov. 11 to meet with Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Donna Cochran and Arizona State Railroad Museum Foundation President Al Richmond.

Discussions were held centering around Williams’ coming attractions — such as Richmond’s museum and the Arizona Territory project — along with the city’s importance in relation to the Canyon. AOT Deputy Director Karen Scates and AOT Tourism Development Director Michael Leyva labeled the visit as more of a fact-finding mission and were pleased to be able to make an in-person appearance rather than hold discussions over the phone.

“We’re very happy with them taking the time to come out,” said Richmond.

Both Scates and Leyva explained that AOT’s main mission is as a marketing agent, rather than a funding source for tourism and that the agency can help Williams by bringing people together and making them aware of current projects.

“Williams is a great gateway city,” Scates said. “The economy is turning around and we see some great opportunities and it’s a chance for us to leave the big city and actually come out here and meet people firsthand.”

No specific marketing plans were mentioned, but Leyva did say that the AOT is creating programs such as Grand Impressions, a training workshop focusing on better customer service, of which Williams has been chosen as one of the host sites.

Scates, meanwhile, revealed that cultural heritage attractions are fast becoming the biggest draw for travelers, causing them to spend more and stay longer in places like Williams and the Grand Canyon that offers a more heritage-oriented experience.

“Arizona is absolutely uniquely positioned (for cultural heritage) and a community like Williams incredibly so, because people want authentic experiences,” Scates explained. “It’s about the experience people are looking for today and that’s what cultural heritage is all about.”

As for Williams’ financial future, the AOT feels the outlook is good. Tax revenues from tourism spending indicate that the first half of 2004 has had the best numbers since 1998. Scates and Leyva cite economic recovery and a willingness to release pent-up travel desires since the initial shock of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have dissipated as reasons for the boost.

“I think we have a good outlook,” Scates remarked. “ It’s a competitive business, tourism — it doesn’t just happen by itself. I think that because the economy is on the rebound, now is the time for all of us to be more sophisticated and more savvy about the way we’re marketing our state and the experiences we have here, because our competitors are doing that, too."