Since the COVID-19 pandemic began earlier this year, most businesses and tourism spots in Arizona have had to close or severely limit their activities. Restrictions are starting to ease now, though, and businesses are slowly opening up once again. The recently announced Rediscover Arizona campaign encourages tourism and local business growth in an effort to help small business owners who have been struggling throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

Arizona’s Approach

As the numbers show that Arizona is heading in the right direction in slowing the spread of COVID-19, a new Executive Order has been put in place for the state. As of May 16, Governor Doug Ducey announced that restrictions are being eased for tourism sites and for local businesses. In making the announcement, Ducey said:

Since the start of this pandemic, Arizona has taken a calm and steady approach to protecting health and slowing the spread of COVID-19. Today, our hospitals have capacity to provide care to those who need it; our businesses are implementing and adapting to new physical distancing measures; and data shows Arizona is headed in the right direction. It is time to move forward with the next steps of Arizona’s economic recovery — while continuing to make health and safety our number one priority.

The governor’s Executive Order noted that Arizona has made much progress through its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect public health. Steps have included ramping up testing availability and frequency, expanding statewide contact tracing, implementing enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes, and providing public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing. 

At the same time, the Arizona Department of Health Services released additional guidance for businesses and for customers to help ensure everyone continues to stay safe throughout the re-opening. As of May 13, pools, gyms and fitness providers, and spas have been able to re-open, following physical distancing and enhanced sanitation guidelines.

Rediscover Arizona

The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) has announced a new initiative, designed to encourage people to safely explore the state once again, including supporting local small businesses. The new Rediscover Arizona marketing campaign is focused on getting residents excited about stargazing, staycations, and the wide-open spaces of their own state of Arizona.

Even as these activities are being encouraged, residents and consumers are also being strongly advised to continue the measures that have done so much toward protecting them from COVID-19 to date. Social distancing, protective gear such as face masks, and heightened sanitary measures will continue to be part of normal business operations. Community and business leaders are asking shoppers and tourists to also follow these guidelines as they rediscover Arizona.

Debbie Johnson, AOT director, emphasized that “As always, these services are able to resume with the understanding that all operators, be it resorts, hotels, attractions, restaurants and all other tourism industry businesses, act with strict adherence to AZDHS and CDC guidelines. This includes communications and visible efforts to guests that facilities are being sanitized at higher levels and increased intervals. It is our job as leaders in the hospitality industry to set an example.”

Re-energizing the Economy

The Arizona Office of Tourism has been charged with assisting Governor Ducey in re-energizing the state’s economy. Rediscover Arizona has been announced as an initiative to encourage people to get out and explore their own state as well as to support businesses in their local area.

Cities and towns across the state are eager to see more tourists and consumers. Tucson-area businesses that are able to re-open should continue to use caution and follow safety guidelines for serving customers in a safe manner, for everyone’s continued health and well-being. Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, reminds businesses there that “safety remains the priority while businesses reopen and people recover their livelihoods.”

Re-opening guidelines that affect businesses in the Tucson area and throughout the state of Arizona can be found on the state’s Office of Tourism site. The Rediscover Arizona campaign urges explorers and shoppers to “know before you go”:

• Call ahead to confirm if an attraction or park is open and under what conditions.
• Avoid high-risk activities like rock climbing or backcountry activities, as law enforcement and rescue operations may be limited.
• Select low-traffic locations and times. Visit less-traveled locations during off-peak hours to avoid potential crowding.
• Follow health officials’ guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit.

CONTACT CLEAR VIEW BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR HELP WITH YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Clear View Business Solutions knows Tucson-area small businesses. We are experts in financial advising, tax services, accounting, and bookkeeping. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we can help guide you and your business through your challenges to help you ensure your business and financial success. Learn more about how we can help you and your business by contacting Clear View Business Solutions to speak to our team about our services. Give us a call at (520) 544-0177.