The following is the author’s opinion and analysis:
From the drama of the mighty Grand Canyon to the saguaro-strewn landscapes of Sonora and the ponderosa pine forests of the north, our state has long drawn visitors from far and wide. Home to stunning landscapes, vibrant city life, world-class spas and resorts, Arizona has something for everyone. The tourism and hospitality sectors are vital to Arizona’s economy – they create jobs, income and recreational opportunities for local residents and encourage investment in local businesses. But today, as Arizona’s water security grows more uncertain, so does the future of our tourism industry.
Water is vital to every aspect of our economy, and hospitality is no different. While the Colorado River is our iconic water resource that often gets the most attention, much of the water we depend on comes from groundwater supplies, which provide more than 40% of the state’s total water. As CEO of Hotel Congress in Tucson, I have been fortunate to work in an area covered by groundwater protection measures under the Groundwater Management Act of 1980, which created important guard rails to protect groundwater in urban areas. As a result, businesses in downtown Arizona can rely on a more predictable water supply, which is critical to smooth operations and the satisfaction and care of our guests.
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But today, that no longer applies to businesses in rural parts of the state. Rural areas are sought after by visitors for their proximity to parks and wildlife, and are home to more than 1.5 million Arizonans, geographically 80% of the state. However, these communities have few options for managing their water supply and are not protected by the Groundwater Management Act – although groundwater is often the only source of water in these areas. As rural water tables continue to fall, we risk losing not only the economic benefits of local tourism, but also the vitality and way of life of entire communities.
In 2020, 32.1 million people visited Arizona, spending a combined $15 billion in the state. This money spent by tourists supports 160,500 jobs and generates important tax revenue for Arizona. Our rural communities have been overlooked for too long, but they are the beating heart of the thriving tourism industry of which we are so proud. We cannot afford to lose all of this and risk the livelihoods of so many Arizona residents.
Arizona’s leaders must act now. Our state agencies, the Legislature and the Governor must work bipartisanly to secure Arizona’s economic future and restore Arizona’s reputation.
You must give our rural business owners the tools they need to ensure their water stability so they can continue to strengthen Arizona’s vibrant tourism industry, so loved by people across the country and around the world.
Todd Hanley is the former CEO of Hotel Congress and Maynards in Tucson, Arizona and founder of the Agave Heritage Festival.
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