Guest Editorial: Tourism is Big Business in Scottsdale

Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year in Scottsdale. Growing up here, I remember the excitement as tourism season kicked into gear. Throughout high school and college, I worked at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, now the Kimpton Miralina Resort and Villas, where we’d watch occupancy rates climb as business conferences, weddings, and other events filled the calendar. From October through May, we were off to the races. I saw firsthand how much tourism meant to our local economy and our community.

Scottsdale has built a reputation as a premier destination, and tourism is a huge part of what makes our city so special. Nearly 11.7 million visitors came to Scottsdale in 2024, generating an estimated $3.7 billion in economic impact, supporting more than 36,000 jobs and contributing approximately $75.8 million in city tax revenue.

At the center of that experience is Old Town Scottsdale. It is where so much of our history, character, dining, nightlife, shopping, art, and entertainment come together. In July, 2026 alone, 48.2% of out-of-state visitor activity was in Old Town, more than any other experience area tracked by Experience Scottsdale.

With that kind of popularity comes a responsibility to protect it. Old Town needs to be a place where people feel safe walking the streets, having dinner, enjoying a night out, and bringing their families. That means enforcing our laws, responding swiftly and directly to crime, and making sure there are real consequences for criminal behavior. Our residents, visitors, and businesses deserve nothing less.

I understand what is at stake. I was born and raised here. I’ve watched Scottsdale grow into the sophisticated, sought-after destination it is today. I spent 12 years representing Scottsdale in the Arizona Legislature and advocating for our community. Scottsdale has earned a world-class reputation, and our City Council representation should reflect the same caliber and high standards that make this city exceptional.

I respectfully ask you to vote for Michelle Ugenti-Rita for Scottsdale City Council on November 3rd.