Hidden Gem: Tucson, Arizona
What makes Tucson a great place for faith-based meetings?
Tucson's lush green desert surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, is a unique destination for all denomination gatherings. Whether you're planning a youth or wellness retreat, annual board meeting or an all-member convention we offer a variety of accommodations.
Our convention center has 205,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space for any programs you're planning, to call home. The Tucson International Airport has affordable non-stop flights to 20 destinations and one-stop connections to 345 cities around the world.
What is unique and interesting about Tucson to visiting groups?
Based on discovered ancient artifacts, Tucson has a 10,000-year history of a continuously inhabited settlement. As recognition of the area’s ancient agricultural history, Tucson was designated as the 1st UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States in 2015.
We are home to the nation's largest cacti, the saguaro, and the world's largest dedicated public observatory operated by Mount Lemmon SkyCenter. We proudly have the southernmost ski destination and one of the best bird watching spots. Additionally, you can go spelunking in Kartchner Caverns (tours suitable for wheelchairs) or Colossal Cave. You will also not want to miss our award winning 130+ miles of paved pathways and bike lanes which connect the entire city.
What are some new or upcoming enhancements to Tucson that event planners should know about?
Approximately 2,000 hotel rooms are in the downtown area including the newest properties to open: DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, Hampton Inn/ Home2 Suites by Hilton at Cathedral Square, The Graduate, newly remodeled Marriott University Park Hotel, AC Marriott Downtown Tucson, the Tuxon, Downtown Clifton and the Historic Congress Hotel (known for being the location where infamous bank robber, John Dillinger, was captured in 1934).
Now complete, a $65 million renovation of the Tucson Convention Center includes two parking garages, interior renovations, a 25,000-square- foot meeting room addition adjacent to the existing Exhibit Halls, renovations to the Tucson Music Hall and Leo Rich Theater, accessibility updates for the entire site, and the restoration of the historic landscape, plazas, and fountains.
CONTACT INFO:
Cathy Valencia
National Sales Manager
cvalencia@visittucson.org
520-770-2120
visittucson.org