by Matthew Holloway | Mar 3, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, will receive the 2026 “Visionary for the Future” Award from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) at its annual Free Enterprise Summit, the nonprofit research organization announced this week.
The award recognizes leaders, CSI says, who demonstrate “innovation, bridge-building, and principled leadership” in addressing public policy challenges in Arizona. CSI stated in a press release that recipients are selected for their ability to clarify complex issues and advance practical, data-informed solutions that support long-term economic opportunity and prosperity.
Ridgway leads the Arizona Office of Tourism, the statewide agency tasked with promoting travel to Arizona for both domestic and international visitors. Governor Katie Hobbs announced on January 7, 2026, that Ridgway would serve as the agency’s director. She has held senior leadership roles within the Office of Tourism since 2019, including deputy director and interim director.
In its release, CSI said the Office of Tourism’s marketing efforts have generated “billions of dollars in tourism revenue,” contributing to economic activity across Arizona’s counties. The organization added, “Her leadership reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening one of Arizona’s most significant economic sectors.”
“Tourism is one of Arizona’s most important economic engines, supporting jobs and small businesses in communities across every county,” said Katie Ratlief, executive director of the Common Sense Institute.
Ratlief said Ridgway’s leadership helped keep Arizona competitive “on the national and global stage,” adding that by “pairing smart strategy with strong partnerships,” she has helped keep visitors coming, strengthened local economies, and reinforced tourism’s role in driving statewide prosperity.
According to recent data from the Arizona Office of Tourism, the recognition comes amid mixed results across several travel indicators. Airport passenger traffic is down 1% year-over-year, State Park visitation is down 8.4%, and National Park visitation is down 18%. At the same time, estimated tourism tax revenues are up 1.9%, with lodging revenue increasing 3.2% and short-term rental revenue up 0.5%.
The Free Enterprise Summit is CSI’s annual policy event; registration information and details are available on the group’s website.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Corinne Murdock | Jun 11, 2023 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Office of Tourism and the Arizona Lottery are sponsoring a “child-friendly” drag show next week in Flagstaff.
The event, “Pride in the Pines: After Party,” will take place at the Orpheum Theater on June 17 at 9 pm. The event is open to all ages, with those under 16 years old requiring a parent or guardian chaperone. Cost of admission is $14 plus fees.
Hobbs selected an executive officer from Arizona Community Foundation, one of the event sponsors, to be director of the Office of Tourism in January: Lisa Urias. Hobbs appointed Tereza Fritz last month to oversee marketing for the lottery. Fritz hails from Western Alliance Bank and formerly worked for Lavidge marketing company.
The event is part of the 27th annual Pride in the Pines. Drag queens featured in the event include DJ Lezbein McKenzie, Anya C. Mann, Salina Es Titties, and Dillon Duvet, as well as Miss Gay Arizona America 2022 winner Janee Star.
Another sponsor for the event is the controversy-stricken Bud Light. The beer brand came under fire last month for selecting transgender personality and actor Dylan Mulvaney as their spokesman.
Following national coverage of Bud Light’s involvement, Flagstaff Pride deleted a tweet including a version of the event poster depicting the beer brand’s sponsorship. (An archived version of Flagstaff Pride’s page, including the deleted tweet, is available here). The organization claimed that Bud Light isn’t a sponsor of the event.
The organization lists Bud Light as a sponsor on Twitter and on their official event sponsor page (archived versions here and here).
Coca-Cola also joined in as a sponsor.
Other sponsors are the Twin Arrows Casino, Old Navy, Living Christ Lutheran Church, the Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS, Bluespan, Veterinary Emergency & Speciality Center of Northern Arizona, Westside Veterinary Clinic, Flagstaff Downtown Dental, Findlay Toyota Flagstaff, Creative Flagstaff, Flagstaff 365 Events, BBB Revenues from the City of Flagstaff, Discover Flagstaff, High Country Sanitation, Verve Valley Rentals, Hensley Beverage Company, Nutrl Vodka, Yucca North, Collins Pub & Grill, Stackhouse Wealth Strategies, WestUSA Realty Flagstaff, Little America Hotel, Pride Guide USA.
A number of hotels also sponsored the event by offering discounted rates: Twin Arrows Casino, GreenTree Inn, High Country Motor Lodge, Sonesta Suites, and Little America Hotel.
Other entertainment at Pride in the Pines includes a band called “The Pubes.”
The state wasn’t listed as a sponsor for last year’s Pride in the Pines after party. Neither was Bud Light, but other sponsors including Coca-Cola, Old Navy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield were.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
