A new state tourism director and new hotels and resorts on the way promise to elevate Arizona for group travel in 2026.
Earlier this month, Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Alix Skelpsa Ridgway as Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT).
A longtime AOT leader, Skelpsa Ridgway has served the agency since 2019, most recently as interim director, leading successful marketing efforts that generated billions in tourism revenue statewide. Previously, she was chief of strategy and communications at the Arizona-Mexico Commission.
“Under her leadership, Arizona will continue to shine as a global destination,” said Governor Hobbs in a media statement.
A native Arizonan, Skelpsa Ridgway holds a BA from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree in Legal Studies from Arizona State University.
New Hotels Fill the Grand Canyon State
Opening in 2026 are the following:
The Villas at Canyon Suites at The Phoenician Scottsdale
Set for a February opening are The Villas at Canyon Suites a resort-within-a-resort enclave at The Phoenician Scottsdale. This private new desert hideaway will include eight 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom luxury, standalone villas overlooking Camelback Mountain, with amenities including outdoor patio fire tables and a private swimming pool complex with cabanas.
Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North
The ultimate golf getaway will be here this summer when the Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North opens steps away from the Troon North Golf Club. The 26-suite property will include 20 4-bedroom, 4-bath suites and six 2-bedroom, 2-bath rooms, making it ideal for large or small golf groups and private executive retreats.
Denū Hotel & Spa
A new option is coming in the heart of of Downtown Phoenix late 2026—Denū Hotel & Spa, a new retreat just down the street from Chase Field and the Phoenix Convention Center. Denū draws inspiration from the desert’s energy, and encourages guests to embrace renewal by unwinding at the full-service wellness spa and soaking in the rooftop pool overlooking the stunning city skyline. This new lifestyle hotel will feature 236 rooms, 16 suites, an urban-designed presidential suite and more than 22,000 sf of meeting and event space.
Renovated & Reimagined
Kimpton Miralina
The former Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas has been reimagined as the Kimpton Miralina, offering 400+ guestrooms, suites and villas along with a host of wellness amenities including six pools and mindfulness experiences including sound bathing and yoga at the spa. The day ends with with artisanal Mexican cuisine at the resort’s new restaurant, Hecho Libre.
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