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First Time an
Arizona Director Honored
PHOENIX — Margie A. Emmermann, director of the
Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), has been named
“2008 State Tourism Director of the Year” by the
National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD),
which is a part of the Travel Industry
Association (TIA).
As one of three finalists, Emmermann was
selected by her peers who represent 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and the five U.S.
territories. She is the first Arizona state
tourism director to be honored. Emmermann was
awarded on Tuesday, August 26, at the
Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO)
Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida.
“This is a well-deserved award and a wonderful
way to honor Margie for her many achievements
and contributions on behalf of the entire travel
community,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of
TIA. “Margie is an effective, well-respected
leader who not only successfully positions
Arizona as a premier travel destination, but
also actively participates in finding solutions
to the domestic and international challenges
facing our industry.”
This honor is awarded annually to a tourism
director whose leadership has obviously and
measurably improved their state or territory's
travel and tourism profile. Emmermann was
appointed director of AOT in 2003 by Governor
Janet Napolitano. Since then, she has unified
Arizona’s visitor industry and produced
outstanding results with her expertise as an
exceptional leader and collaborator, among them:
A commitment to provide the most accurate and
thorough research available in the state.
Developing research-based domestic and
international campaigns that provide the best
return on investment for the state. Being
on the leading edge of technology that expands
the perception of Arizona and keeps AOT ahead of
the competition. Placing a priority on
educating rural communities and promoting Native
American Tourism.
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Under her
leadership, the Arizona Office of Tourism has
seen increased results year-after-year,
including:
A record-breaking 35.2 million visitors in 2007
who contributed $19.3 billion in direct travel
expenditures to Arizona’s economic vitality, a
31.3 percent increase in direct spending from
2003.
Generating $2.7 billion in state, local and
federal tax revenues that benefit every Arizona
resident.
Before receiving the award, last year's
recipient Bud Nocera, president and CEO of Visit
Florida, called Emmermann “a world-class
marketer who has expertly guided her office and
is a devoted public servant.”
In addition to serving as director of AOT,
Emmermann is also an active participant in the
tourism industry and the community serving on
numerous boards nationally, regionally,
statewide and in Maricopa County. Among them are
Travel Industry Association, the American
Automobile Association Arizona, Arizona Hotel
and Lodging Association, Arizona Tourism
Alliance, Valley of the Sun United Way.
“Margie is a highly-respected colleague” said
Diane Shober, director of the Wyoming Office of
Travel and Tourism. “I have been fortunate to
work with the best of the best in the tourism
industry and Margie is definitely an ace among
aces. She approaches her life and work with
passion and integrity, which is truly something
to be admired. Being named the 2008 State
Tourism Director of the Year is an honor she
rightly deserves.”
Created as an executive agency in 1975, the
Arizona Office of Tourism, is charged with
enhancing the state economy and the quality of
life for all Arizonans by expanding travel
activity and increasing related revenues through
tourism promotion and development. AOT works to
serve the Grand Canyon State’s travel industry
and related businesses, the traveling public,
and the taxpayers of Arizona.
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