AZ Hoteliers Hope World Series Boosts Area Tourism

MESA, AZ— The Major League Baseball World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks could smack a grand slam for the languishing hotel industry here. Many Arizona properties say they expect to fill a few more rooms this weekend because the Diamondbacks will host the World Series opener, but the big boost will most likely come weeks or months later. David Muth, general manager/Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa, said, “Climate is still our most important feature. The high point (for local hotels) in 10 years was in 1997. I dont think its a coincidence that the year before, the Super Bowl was here.” In light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the World Series could help the ailing tourism industry here get back on track by showing that people can travel, do fun things, in large crowds and feel safe, said Rachel Sacco, president/Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. And if that all happens in the Valley, it will leave TV viewers and visitors with warm feelings for the destination, said Sacco. The baseball championship has no history in Arizona, but San Diego, a World Series destination three years ago, estimated the event had an $18 million a day impact on the local economy, said David Radcliffe, president/Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. That was in flusher economic times, but Radcliffe estimates this weekend could leave Valley businesses pocketing $20 million or more. SOURCE: The Tribune, Mesa, AZ