Press trip to Arizona
PRESS TRIP TO ARIZONA
In April 2019, the Arizona Office of Tourism partnered with American Airlines to host a group of British travel writers from the UK. The group visited Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park and Mesa. Along the way, they discovered the red rocks of Sedona, took a hot air balloon across Phoenix, explored the lunar legacy of Flagstaff, enjoyed a helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon and discovered the gastronomic delights of Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail®.
As of 31st March 2019, Arizona became even more accessible to UK travellers. American Airlines launched a nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The flight will operate year-round, perfect for travellers seeking to enjoy Arizona throughout the year. The new American Airlines route is in addition to the current direct flight offered by British Airways, which launched in July 1996. The group got to experience the new direct route first hand as well as the delights awaiting a UK traveller in Arizona.
Additionally, 2019 marked 100 years of Grand Canyon’s national park status. Arizona’s iconic natural landmark holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is continually cited among the world’s most popular travel destinations. The centennial celebrations will showcase the Grand Canyon’s heritage and seek to inspire future generations to protect its natural beauty. As well as this, 2019 also marks 50 years since man landed on the moon. All of the Apollo 11 astronauts were trained in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the lunar landing module was tested at Sunset Crater, just outside of Flagstaff. Flagstaff is also home to Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was first discovered in 1928 and where the surface of the moon was mapped. These were just two further reasons why the group should experience the State in 2019.
On the press trip was Sarah Turner, travel writing for the Mail on Sunday, James Caven, travel writing for Reach PLC and James Whaling, travel writing for the Sunday People.
The trip built and increased awareness of the American Airlines direct route, as well as how the State of Arizona rewards international travellers with stunning scenery, gastronomic delights and unforgettable travel memories. Travel coverage in three UK national newspapers to follow.
