TORONTO — Arizona is flying high on Porter’s new seasonal service to Phoenix from both Vancouver and Ottawa, a boost to existing lift with Porter plus flights with Air Canada, WestJet and Flair to the Grand Canyon State.

It’s good news amid this past year’s downward trend in Canada-to-U.S. travel.

“The airlines must know something because they keep adding flights,” joked Marjorie Magnusson, Media Relations Manager for the Arizona Office of Tourism.

AOT is represented in Canada by Reach Global Marketing. At the AOT’s industry event last night at Park Hyatt Toronto, Reach Global’s Charmaine Singh underlined Arizona’s success story from this market.

“We know there’s a large population in Canada that is travelling to the USA,” said Singh, adding with a rueful smile, “people are flying and the planes are not grounded. The guts of [the transborder] numbers are coming from the drive market. That’s what’s pulling the numbers down. The border states are really hurting.”

Arizona’s beautiful weather (with 300+ days of sunshine), along with its welcoming hospitality and strong sports tourism offering – including, of course, golf – make it a go-to destination for Canadians year-round.

For Magnusson, making sure Arizona is top of mind for Canadian travellers is a no-brainer, no matter what’s happening in politics. “Canada is an important market for us. We’ve been coming for years and we’ll continue to come for years,” she said.

Magnusson’s team at last night’s reception included delegates from Gilbert, AZ (“America’s largest town”), Lake Havasu, Navajo Nation and the shopping, spa and golf mecca of Scottsdale.

Magnusson told Travelweek that AOT’s projections for the Canadian market for 2026 “are cautious but stable.” Arizona continues to see strong loyalty from repeat Canadian visitors, she noted, particularly golfers, snowbirds and outdoor travellers.

“Any improvement in exchange rates or travel sentiment could support a gradual rebound later in the year,” she added.

Canada is Arizona’s second-largest source market for international visitors. In 2024, Arizona welcomed 852,000 Canadian visitors, up 3.6% YOY.

That’s not counting long-stay snowbirds. “Snowbirds remain a critical pillar of the market,” said Magnusson. Canadian snowbirds contribute some US$1.4 billion annually to Arizona’s economy through extended winter stays and local spending.

From Toronto and Vancouver to AZ, travellers can fly with Air Canada, WestJet and Porter. From Calgary, service is available via WestJet and Air Canada, and from Montreal, via Air Canada. Additional cities such as Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, and Kelowna are served through seasonal WestJet services, providing further access during peak travel periods. Plus, of course, there’s Porter’s just-launched YOW-PHX flights.

New hotel highlights for 2026 include the Villas at Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, with eight standalone luxury villas and private pools. Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North offers 26 modern desert villas near championship courses. Kimpton Miralina has been reimagined with 400+ rooms, six pools, wellness amenities, and more. Outbound Sedona debuts in May 2026 with Bell Rock views, enhanced spa facilities, and the Moonwater pool area. L’Auberge de Sedona has a US$30 million transformation, and Denū Hotel & Spa in downtown Phoenix opens in late 2026 with 236 rooms, a rooftop pool, wellness spa and over 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Adventure travellers can check out Highland Grand Canyon’s glamping tents, or Trailborn Grand Canyon, a restored Route 66 gateway.

New attractions include the International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, Dorrance Planetarium and more. Meanwhile The Route 66 Centennial adds fun experiences like Meteor City Dino Drive-Thru, Winslow’s Musical Road, Tin Can Alley, Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn and themed stops in Flagstaff.

Reach Global’s Charmaine Singh (left) and Kirk Dsouza (right) with Marjorie Magnusson from the Arizona Office of Tourism

Travelweek asked Magnusson about AOT’s message for Canadian travellers (and travel advisors).

“Arizona isn’t just about stunning landscapes and world-class resorts, it’s a destination that truly welcomes every traveller. We want Canadian travellers and their advisors to know that whether visitors are seeking luxury, adventure, culture, or culinary experiences, they’ll find a warm, hospitable environment at every turn,” she said.

Arizona’s communities take pride in making guests feel at home, she added, “whether it’s through personalized service, authentic Indigenous and cultural programming, or family-friendly adventures. Arizona is ready to welcome Canadians with open arms.”

More information about travel to Arizona can be found at VisitArizona.com.

Lead image caption: The AOT’s team at last night’s Park Hyatt Toronto event included delegates from Gilbert, AZ (“America’s largest town”), Lake Havasu, Navajo Nation and the shopping, spa and golf mecca of Scottsdale