Scottsdale City Council approves Experience Scottsdale's $15.6M tourism marketing budget

The Scottsdale City Council convened on June 24, 2025, for a special and regular meeting, focusing on key discussions surrounding funding for local organizations and the approval of the Experience Scottsdale destination marketing plan.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on the funding process for local organizations. Councilwoman McKellen expressed concerns about the timing of budget approvals, suggesting that the council should hear presentations from organizations before committing funds. She emphasized the importance of having thorough discussions prior to budget adoption to ensure informed decisions. Despite her concerns, the council moved forward with a motion to approve the funding, which passed without further debate.

Next on the agenda was the Experience Scottsdale strategic business plan. The council reviewed the destination marketing services agreement, which requires approval from both the Tourism Development Commission and the city council. The commission had already approved the plan in May, paving the way for the council's endorsement. The plan outlines specific performance measures, with Experience Scottsdale tracking 17 metrics to assess its effectiveness in promoting the city.

Rachel Socko, representing Experience Scottsdale, provided an overview of the marketing efforts, highlighting a strong performance in media placements and a positive return on investment for the city. She noted that for every dollar spent on advertising, the city receives four dollars in tax revenue. The council was informed that the marketing strategies for the upcoming fiscal year would include initiatives aimed at attracting luxury travelers and promoting Scottsdale's golf offerings.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion about the effectiveness of the marketing strategies, with some expressing skepticism about the current tourism climate. Councilman Kwasman raised concerns about the competitive nature of tourism, emphasizing the need for Scottsdale to capture a larger share of visitors. He requested detailed reports on the success of new initiatives, particularly those targeting international markets.

Councilwoman Whitehead clarified that the funding for Experience Scottsdale comes from bed taxes, not general fund tax dollars, reiterating that the organization operates within a closed-loop funding system. The council ultimately voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the strategic business plan, with members expressing optimism about the potential for increased tourism and economic growth.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to supporting local organizations and enhancing Scottsdale's tourism marketing efforts. The approval of the Experience Scottsdale plan is expected to drive further economic development in the city, with a focus on attracting new events and visitors in the coming year.