Go Lake Havasu Triumphs with Six Tourism Awards from PHOENIX Magazine

An inaugural awards program highlighting Arizona destinations has bestowed Havasu with six tourism accolades.

Created by PHOENIX Magazine, the Arizona Travel Awards program launched in 2024 to honor various destinations across the state. Among the recognized areas were Tempe, Kingman, and Cottonwood, the latter winning Destination of the Year.

Jackie Leatherman, Director of Sales for Go Lake Havasu (GLH), expressed gratitude for the nominations. She noted that the introduction of the awards stemmed from GLH’s long-standing relationship with the publication.

Havasu secured six nominations, while an additional 17 tourism amenities were submitted. Leatherman emphasized the importance of these nominations in showcasing Havasu’s strength as both a tourism destination and a community.

The awards included statewide recognitions for the Bridgewater Channel (Scenic View), Earth Day Community Cleanup (Community Event), and Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair (Art Festival or Event).

In the Small Market categories, Havasu received awards for SARA Park (Park), Slot Canyon (Hiking/Biking Trail), and Lake Havasu Museum of History (Museum).

Leatherman highlighted the significance of these awards, stating they underscore the various elements that make Lake Havasu City a premier tourism destination. She noted that the community’s diverse features contribute to its attractiveness for both residents and tourists.

GLH has recently introduced two new programs. One tracks the movement of visitors in Havasu, providing an instant snapshot of the city’s visitors. The other program tracks business referrals to support Havasu’s tourism businesses, aiming for more effective data collection for local distribution.

“Go Lake Havasu is incredibly proud of Lake Havasu City and the community’s efforts to deliver outstanding customer service, maintain a clean environment, and assist visitors experiencing Havasu for the first time,” Leatherman concluded.