About

Founded in 1998, the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance, a 501 (c)(6) non-profit organization, was created to develop innovative marketing techniques in collaboration with other Arizona tourism boards to enhance awareness of the variety of educational and entertainment activities available in our communities to cooperatively promote tourism and visitation in southern Arizona. Founding organizations included Old Tucson, Arizona Aerospace Foundation, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Visit Tucson (MTCVB).

The SAAA is supported in part by Visit Tucson, Pima County & University of Arizona

Pima County logo

VisitTucson_Logo

 

Our Mission

The mission of the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance is to increase awareness of and drive visitation to the Alliance member attractions through marketing, education and advocacy.

Primary Marketing Vehicles

  • Tucson Attractions Passport
  • Tucson Attractions Map Brochure
  • Tucson Attractions Website
  • VIsitWidget – A planning ad for the Desktop and a app for your Smartphone
  • Social Media Postings
  • Co-Operative Advertising and Outreach/Advocacy
  • Annual Meeting with educational programming
  • Ambassador Showcase of the Attractions

Education/Professional Development

  • Monthly Meetings
  • Monthly Educational Topic
  • SAAA Pledge of Practice
  • Annual Meeting of Attractions

Advocacy

  • Protect the interests of the Southern Arizona Attractions
  • Partner with DMO’s, local and state governments, Chambers, Cultural Organizations and others

 

Our 2023 Board of Directors

Officers:

  • President: Hillary Louarti, Diamond Transportation
  • Vice President:
  • Past President & Secretary: Wendi Rountree, University of Arizona Marketing and Communications
  • Treasurer: Shawn Riser, Marketing Director, Marshal Foundation (Main Gate Square)

Board Directors/Committee Chairs:

  • Marketing: Katie Bailey, Publisher/Owner, Tucson Guide Magazine; Non-Board Members: Joan Lee, Linda Fahey, Nick Letson
  • Membership: Peter Tsai, MicroVactions (At-Large Director)
  • Programs: Shawn Riser, Main Gate Square
  • Outreach: Pamela Traficanti, Visit Tucson, Debbie McKinion, Arizona Historical Society (At-Large Director)
  • Peter Tsai, MicroVactions (At-Large Director)
  • Debbie McKinion, Arizona Historical Society (At-Large Director)
  • Stan Martin, Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee & Museum
  • Staff:

Membership Kit

Membership is open to attractions and businesses involved in tourism located in southern Arizona.

Membership Meetings

The SAAA has membership meetings are mostly on the second Thursday of the month, except Showcase and Holiday Function. Most meetings begin at 8:30 am and are held at various attractions and member locations throughout Tucson. Attraction co-workers, guests and prospective members are encouraged to attend.  Most meetings have an educational program.

New 2023 Meeting and Education Schedule!
Open to all Member Attractions and Guests

January 11
February 9
March 9: 24th SAAA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
April 13: Reid Park Zoo: Program is on the new Master Plan and on-site tour of the new exhibits
May 18
June 8
July: Arizona’s Governors Conference on Tourism, Westin La Paloma Resort and Space
August 10: Field Trip to Mt. Lemmon

 

 

Jobs Available

From time to time we will list jobs within the Attractions industry in southern Arizona

  • Pima County Attractions and Tourism Program Manager – Unclassified (Leased Properties Program Manager) – 7150 (Apply Now!)
    DESCRIPTION
    BENEFITS
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