Arizona’s hospitality industry is essential to the state’s global identity. Tourism generated $4.3 billion in tax revenue for Arizona in 2024 and supports more than 300,000 jobs statewide. From world-class resorts to iconic sporting events, this sector is Arizona’s top export-oriented industry, fueling $13.2 million of Arizona’s gross domestic product in 2024 and stimulating communities across the state.
A new era of hospitality and tourism is coming fast, and Arizona must prepare for what’s next.
Workforce readiness will be critical. Between now and 2036, Arizona will add nearly 6,000 new hospitality and entertainment jobs. These roles demand a versatile blend of skills, combining emotional intelligence, technology integration, data-driven decision making and sustainability stewardship to deliver memorable experiences and great guest satisfaction. Tomorrow’s hospitality landscape demands a human touch that transforms experiences into lifelong memories.
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping guest experiences, from automated check-ins to personalized itineraries. By 2030, hotels expect to operate with significantly leaner human staffing, a shift that underscores the urgency of preparing workers for AI-enhanced roles.
The stakes are high because hospitality isn’t just an economic engine, it’s a promise to every visitor that Arizona is an exceptional destination delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that will stay with visitors for a lifetime.
The rapid changes to this industry are why the Arizona Board of Regents, in partnership with the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, have convened CEOs and leaders from hospitality, tourism and the sporting events industry to answer a critical question: What skills will define success in the next decade? These conversations are already shaping how Arizona’s public universities – Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona – prepare students for careers that will keep our state competitive.
ASU’s Tourism Development and Management program equips future leaders with expertise in resort operations and advanced AI integration. NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management ranks among the nation’s best, attracting global recruiters to its graduates. The U of A’s Eller College of Management delivers world-class training in business analytics, sports tourism and event management, and offers a certificate in sustainable tourism ensuring students are ready to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving industry.
The responsiveness of our universities is essential, but this challenge cannot be met alone. That’s why Arizona’s public universities and AZLTA will work together to expand internships, apprenticeships and career pathways that connect talent to opportunity. This collaboration is already underway, informed by direct input from industry leaders, and we invite every stakeholder to join us in continuing to build a workforce that keeps the world wanting to visit Arizona again and again.
If your business intersects with hospitality and tourism, we invite you to engage with us at ABOR and the AZLTA. Share your insights and join us as we invest in the future of Arizona’s workforce.
Chad Sampson is the Executive Director of the Arizona Board of Regents. Kim Grace Sabow is the President and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association.
Photo courtesy Creative Commons license.