Havasu Lake Triumphs with Six Tourism Awards from PHOENIX Magazine

An inaugural awards program highlighting Arizona destinations presented Havasu with six tourism awards. Developed by PHOENIX Magazine, the Arizona Travel Awards program debuted in 2024. The program aims to recognize various destinations across Arizona. Other awarded areas include Tempe, Kingman, and Cottonwood, which won Destination of the Year.

Go Lake Havasu Director of Sales, Jackie Leatherman, expressed gratitude for Havasu’s wins. She attributed the nominations to GLH’s long-established relationship with PHOENIX Magazine.

Though six nominations were recognized, Leatherman noted that 17 other tourism amenities were submitted.

“It is really an honor to provide these nominations to showcase our strength as a tourism destination,” Leatherman said. “We are not only a destination, but also a strong community.”

Statewide awards went to Bridgewater Channel for Scenic View, Earth Day Community Cleanup for Community Event, and Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair for Art Festival or Event.

Three awards were based on population in Small Market categories, including SARA Park for Park, Slot Canyon for Hiking/Biking Trail, and Lake Havasu Museum of History for Museum.

“These awards highlight all components that make Lake Havasu City a premier tourism destination,” Leatherman explained. “Our community has a nomination for nearly every category, underscoring the features that make it attractive to residents and tourists alike.”

Leatherman also shared that GLH recently introduced two programs. One tracks visitor movement in Havasu for an “instant snapshot” of city visitors. Another tracks business referrals to assess support for local tourism businesses. These initiatives aim to improve data collection for local distribution.

“Go Lake Havasu is proud of Lake Havasu City and the community’s efforts in providing top customer service, maintaining a clean environment, and assisting first-time visitors,” Leatherman described.