Tourism is a big industry in Arizona, and it accounts for a big chunk of the state’s yearly revenue. In 2014, an estimated 40.7 million people spent nearly $21 billion while traveling the state, and I think you can expect those numbers grew last year and this year.
With so many tourists flocking to the state, playing a game of “spot the tourist” can make for an interesting people watching game. Here are a few ways you can pick a tourist out of a crowd:
- They seem a bit underdressed in the winter.
Sea turtle/Flickr
- Actually, they might even be surprised at the winter chill and snowfall in parts of the state.
MPR/Flickr “What? Arizona gets snow?” If you tell a tourist Arizona has a tundra, it will probably blow their mind.
- Other facts tourists may be surprised about: the lack of humidity…
Christopher Rose/Flickr If you don’t drink enough water, you’ll end up as dry as these chiles.
- The sun’s intensity…
Keirsten Marie/Flickr
- Our ridiculously dark skies…
Justin Kern/Flickr What is that strange cloud in the sky? The Milky Way.
- And wide open vertical space.
CEBImagery/Flickr
- They don’t drink or carry enough water in the summer.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
- A lot of tourists also don’t know their physical limits when it comes to hiking throughout the year.
Alan English CPA/Flickr That means it’s no surprise that most hiking rescues happen to save tourists.
- They don’t mind dropping major cash on an “authentic” sweat lodge or other New Agey experiences.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
- Here’s a tip for tourists because I imagine they are the only people patronizing these places: if you plan on purchasing authentic arts and crafts made by Arizona’s Indigenous people, don’t stop at the tourist traps with the fake tipis. Hit up the pow wows and markets to buy directly from the artist.
David Cohen/Flickr
- Freeways and highways are “17” and “87” instead of “the 17” or “Beeline Highway.”
Alan Stark/Flickr
What are some other tips that can identify someone as a tourist in Arizona?
Sea turtle/Flickr
MPR/Flickr
“What? Arizona gets snow?” If you tell a tourist Arizona has a tundra, it will probably blow their mind.
Christopher Rose/Flickr
If you don’t drink enough water, you’ll end up as dry as these chiles.
Keirsten Marie/Flickr
Justin Kern/Flickr
What is that strange cloud in the sky? The Milky Way.
CEBImagery/Flickr
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Alan English CPA/Flickr
That means it’s no surprise that most hiking rescues happen to save tourists.
David Cohen/Flickr
Alan Stark/Flickr
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