Guest Blog post by Nancy McCoy… In the recent Guest Opinion by Greg Lucero, “Wildcat Silver will be a good neighbor,” [NI 10/16/2012] he seemed unimpressed by the impact of tourism, especially ecotourism, on the economy of Santa Cruz County. Perhaps Mr. Lucero is not aware of these facts.
Santa Cruz County has a unique and varied ecosystem that makes it a prime location for ecotourism. The Patagonia area is an internationally known birding destination. The Arizona Trail provides hiking and biking opportunities through beautiful and diverse terrain. Our county is the home of javelinas, coatimundis, bobcats, mountain lions – maybe even a jaguar- as well as vinegaroons, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas – wildlife that visitors aren’t going to find in many other places. In fact, Santa Cruz County is a biodiversity hotspot that harbors more plant and animal species than Yellowstone Park.
Tourism, which includes ecotourism along with the area’s many historical sites, fine vineyards, wonderful restaurants, and unique galleries and shops, is an important economic component in Santa Cruz County. Just how important is tourism to our local economy? The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) estimates that in 2011, the total direct spending by visitors in Santa Cruz County was over $211 million and that tourism was responsible for generating $4.4 million dollars in local taxes. AOT estimates that direct earnings from tourism were over $39 million dollars in our county last year and that 1600 Santa Cruz County residents were employed in our tourism industry. In 2009 (the last year for which AOT has statistics), Patagonia Lake State Park ranked 15th in Arizona’s Top 25 Natural Attractions, with 214,000 visitors, and the Coronado National Forest ranked 25th with 97,000 visitors. As of July 1st of this year, Patagonia Lake State Park visitors totaled 95,598.
Without a doubt, tourism is an important economic driver for our county. We need to make sure we support and promote this important Santa Cruz County industry.
Nancy McCoy
The Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast
Patagonia, AZ
