Offering unique Southwest culture and a desirable climate, Greater Phoenix is also one of the world�s top golf destinations. Home to numerous four and five diamond resorts, Greater Phoenix serves as the airline hub of the southwest, and is the destination of choice for about 12 million travelers annually (D.K. Shifflet & Assoc.). As the fifth-largest city in the United States with 1.3 million residents, Phoenix offers a multitude of cultural and recreational activities. Some of the region�s unique offerings include: � pampering yourself at a top Greater Phoenix resort and spa; � playing golf on one of the area�s 200+ courses; � experiencing the incredible Sonoran Desert through Jeep tours and balloon rides; � hiking or biking some of Greater Phoenix� numerous mountain trails; � spending a day in downtown Phoenix enjoying the numerous museums or top professional sports action; � partaking in Greater Phoenix� western and Native American history at a variety of area attractions; and � enjoying day trips to scenic Arizona locales, such as the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

GEOGRAPHY Located along the banks of the Salt River, where early Hohokam Indians first settled, Phoenix�the state�s capital�is saddled between dramatic mountain ranges. Anchored by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Greater Phoenix is comprised of three million residents living in 22 incorporated cities�including Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa�that cover Maricopa County�s 9,127 square miles. CLIMATE Year-round sunshine and mild temperatures make Phoenix America�s premier desert city. Located 1,117 feet above sea level, Phoenix weather is warm, sunny and usually dry. The yearly average temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees (Fahrenheit) and low humidity makes summer heat more comfortable than in other hot climates.

Phoenix averages sunshine during 86 percent of daylight hours and has more than 325 sunny days each year. Travelers should bring casual clothes and light sweaters and jackets November through March. GOLF A discussion about Phoenix is incomplete without noting golf�s popularity and importance. Golf in Arizona generates nearly $1 billion in annual sales and accounts for 17,000 jobs, according to a study by the National Golf Foundation. With more than 200 of the state�s 300+ golf courses, Greater Phoenix is responsible for the bulk of that activity. Additionally, the study found that two million visitors and 500,000 residents annually play golf in Arizona. Golf contributes $70 million annually in tax revenue into local and state coffers.

ACTIVITIES With so many sunshine-filled days, Phoenix is the perfect place to experience unique and fun outdoor activities. Horseback riding is a great way to see the spectacular Sonoran Desert, as is a rugged Jeep ride. Spending an afternoon tubing or rafting the Verde or Salt rivers is another way to enjoy the Phoenix outdoors. For the thrill seekers, a glider or hot-air balloon flight will take them high above the desert plateau and offer splendid views of Greater Phoenix. Dependable sunshine and great weather make outdoor sports a way of life. Golf, tennis, hiking, mountain biking and in-line skating are popular Phoenix activities. Visitors can also choose from water skiing, sailing and fishing in the region�s lakes and rivers.

SPECTATOR SPORTING EVENTS Greater Phoenix offers a variety of top sports events for those who prefer to be a spectator rather than a participant. Phoenix is among only eight cities to have top professional teams in the four major sports.

The 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks began Major League Baseball play in 1998, while the 2003�04 campaign marks the NHL�s Phoenix Coyotes eighth season in town and their first at the brand new Glendale Arena. The NBA�s Phoenix Suns regularly play in front of near-sell-out throngs at America West Arena and the NFL�s Arizona Cardinals are beginning their 15th season at Arizona State University in Tempe.

Other great sports action includes The FBR (Phoenix Open), the best-attended event on the PGA Tour with more than 500,000 spectators enjoying the week-long tourney. Plus, the Fiesta Bowl stages college football�s national title game in January 2007.

Add in Cactus League baseball, The Gila River Golf Classic, NASCAR and Indy Car races at Phoenix International Raceway, the WNBA�s Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Rattlers arena football, LPGA golf, as well as horse and greyhound racing, and it�s evident Phoenix is a sports lover�s paradise.

RESORTS / HOTELS GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Greater Phoenix is referred to as the �Resort Capital of the World� by many travel-industry professionals due to its inventory of luxurious total-destination resorts.

There are dozens of self-contained resort communities that mix shops, restaurants, spas, activities, meeting space and luxury accommodations into the perfect destination to enjoy Arizona�s unique Southwestern hospitality. With more than 55,000 rooms, millions of square feet of meeting space, on-property golf and other leisure options, Greater Phoenix is the perfect vacation and meeting destination. In fact, Phoenix consistently ranks at or near the top of the annual Zagat Survey of U.S. Hotels, Resorts and Spas.

ATTRACTIONS / NIGHTLIFE / PERFORMING ARTS A variety of museums offer indigenous history and contemporary art, as well as imported works. The Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix is well known for its Native American art exhibits, including the nation�s largest kachina doll collection. The Phoenix Art Museum, host of the Cowboy Artists Show, has a permanent collection of 16,000 paintings, sculptures, costumes and other works of art from the 15th through 20th centuries.

Other interesting and informative museums are the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Museum of History, the Hall of Flame Fire Fighting Museum, and the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. With 20 theater groups in Greater Phoenix, there is no shortage of entertainment. Phoenix offers everything from Broadway plays to lyric opera. The Herberger Theater Center plays host to many fine performances, including Ballet Arizona, the Arizona Opera Company and the Arizona Theatre Company. The Phoenix Theatre, founded in 1920, is the nation�s longest continuously running community theater. The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra has been performing for more than 35 years with a season that runs from fall through spring. Performances are held at Symphony Hall with a special outdoor performance series. There are many opportunities to enjoy other music as well, including rock, jazz, country and more. Some of the nation�s best-known artists appear at America West Arena, Bank One Ballpark, Dodge Theatre, the outdoor Cricket Pavilion, Grady Gammage Auditorium, Red River Music Hall, The Sundome, and at area nightclubs. SIGHTSEEING Arizona is known for its contrasts. Visitors will see everything from northern Arizona�s tall, cool pines to the cactus-filled scenery of the Sonoran Desert. And if there�s a �must-see,� it�s Arizona�s majestic Grand Canyon, one of the world�s seven natural wonders. This breathtaking sight is open year-round and may be experienced through nature walks or mule rides into the Canyon, or by taking a leisurely drive along its outer edges.

Before reaching the Grand Canyon, be sure to stop at Sedona, a cultural community providing a wide array of boutiques and art galleries selling everything from Native American and Southwestern arts and crafts to fine jewelry. Arizona also is home to Lake Powell on the northern border. Named for Major John Wesley Powell, leader of the first Colorado River expedition through the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell is 186 miles long and has more miles of shoreline than the entire Pacific coast of the United States. The lake, which extends into southern Utah, took 17 years to fill.

Located in eastern Arizona, the White Mountains stand at an elevation of some 9,000 feet. The White Mountains are rich in trout-stocked lakes. With temperatures about 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix, the White Mountains are a popular summertime getaway. Sunrise Ski Resort is one of the nation�s best-kept secrets when it comes to winter sports. Other scenic trips worth taking include venturing to:

Prescott � site of the historic 1857 John C. Fremont House, the first territorial governor�s mansion, and Whiskey Row;

Apache Trail � a world-famous trail that twists through the Superstition Mountains and was once traveled by the Apache Indians; and

Montezuma�s Castle � a 12th-century Aztec-designed dwelling carved into a steep cliff, once inhabited by the Pueblo Indians. These destinations can be reached in as little as a few hours by car from Phoenix.

DINING Endless dining possibilities exist in Greater Phoenix. With some of the world�s best chefs, taste buds will be tantalized by indulging in a variety of foods including Fusion, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Continental, Thai and Moroccan, just to name a few. It also is possible to taste a bit of the Old West by sampling a genuine cowboy mesquite-grilled steak at one of the many restaurants specializing in authentic Southwestern cuisine. The atmosphere of these establishments ranges from casual cowboy to sophisticated city. SHOPPING When shopping in Phoenix, visitors find a wonderful selection of upscale souvenirs such as beautifully handcrafted Native American turquoise jewelry and elegant leather goods. Everything from the latest in fashionable apparel to collectible artwork can be found at one of the many large shopping malls or tiny boutiques. Favorite Greater Phoenix shopping malls include Biltmore Fashion Park, Kierland Commons, Desert Ridge Marketplace, the Arizona Mills factory outlet mall, Arizona Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square (the largest shopping mall in the Southwest), Chandler Fashion Center, the Fifth Avenue Shops in Scottsdale, The Borgata of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley Mall and Fiesta Mall.

TRANSPORTATION Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is served by more than 20 airlines, including: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska, America West, American, American Trans Air, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Lufthansa, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, United and US Airways. Ground transportation costs are approximately as follows: airport to downtown Phoenix, $10; airport to Scottsdale, $15 - $30.

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Media Contact: Stacy Reading +1 602-254-6500 sreading@visitphoenix.com