Last Friday’s Coffee Break, featured the Mesa CVB and James Tevault gave a great presentation on such topics as the best time to visit Mesa, advantages of working with the Mesa CVB, activities and sights in Mesa and much more! We received some great questions, which I have posted below along with James’ answers. If you have any additional questions please leave a comment below or e-mail James at James@VisitMesa.Com. And if you missed the live Coffee Break, be sure to check out the recorded version in the link found at the bottom of this page.
Q. Can you give us an idea of what it will cost to stay in Mesa?
A. In Mesa, depending on the time of year, we have 3 rate seasons. Typically January to May is our most expensive time to visit the Mesa area or even just the Phoenix metro area as a whole. The cost also depends on the size of the group or if it is an individual traveler. Travel rates can range anywhere from $99 for a group and closer to $159 for an individual traveler during peak season. Once you get into the summer months, which would be from June to August, rates can range anywhere from around $59/$69 to around $109/$119. Once you get into our last season, which would be September to December, you are going to be right in between the first 2 rate seasons. Just keep in mind the cost depends on the size of the group and availability. Mesa CVB put your request in front of enough hotels so that it saves you time and work ensuring you are getting the best value for your client.
Q. Who are some of the tour operators who operate in the Mesa area?
A. We work with Greatline Tours and several other receptive tour operators. I apologize that I do not have the names in front of me now but you can contact Donna Cluckey for that information. Donna is our real travel professional for the tourism market and she would be more than happy to provide you with that information. Her email address is Donna@VisitMesa.Com.
Q. Do you have a Mesa specialist training program?
A. We do not have a Mesa specialist training program as this time. We are partners with the Arizona Office of Tourism and we are part of the Arizona certification program. This program is called AZAP and that information is on our tour and travel page. If you click on there you will be able to certify for the state of Arizona, which does include Mesa information as well.
Q. I am a sports travel agent and I am curious to know, for future reference, since the Arizona Cardinals won the NFC championship has there been a spike in tourism for sporting events over the past month or so?
A. There has been a spike in sporting events. We did do very well as the Cardinals were going through the playoff experience and it did give us national exposure. Sports are a very popular market for the Mesa areas due to Mesa’s climate. Plus Mesa has done an excellent job of working with different fields and having access to them in the city of Mesa. We are also working on swimming areas as well. We have even done different tournaments and other events where we partner together with ASU. So we have a great relationship here in the community as a sports leader. We were actually ranked as one of the top sports friendly cities when it comes to CVBs. So I would say yes, we have seen a spike in sports events and are seeing that it is one of our strong suits and are doing very well with it.
Q. Is Mesa a good place for convention groups?
A. It depends upon the size of the group. We are definitely not going to sit here and try to claim we can handle large style conventions. We are a great city for conventions if you are looking for 200-250 peek room nights. We have a great Marriott property that is located right next to the Mesa Convention Center and we also have 2 other properties, the Hilton and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, that are great hotels for the small to midsize meetings. We can also handle the smaller trade shows here at the Mesa Convention Center, which we always do a great job with.
Q. Do you provide transportation from Phoenix to the various hotels, especially for large groups?
A. That is definitely very easy for us to do. We have a great partnership with several transportation companies such as Enterprise car rentals and their 15 passenger vans and also Enterprise if people want to take care of their own transportation but just need a vehicle to do so. We also work with Super Shuttle for more of the individuals and large conventions where people are coming in at different time frames. They do a great job and they also offer a discount for Mesa CVB clients. We also have several other partners, such as busing companies that can assist with these needs.
Q. When is the best time to visit Mesa?
A. That is a great question! The best time to visit Mesa in regards to climate is from September to April. You will be able to experience the cooler evenings and it is just gorgeous! If you are looking for value, the best time to visit will be from September to mid January. During that time you will get the most decent rates. There are also some great rates available in April. Throughout the whole Phoenix area, you are going to pay a bit more once you get into the middle of January through March. We usually have a lot going on during that time and it is in high demand.
Q. Do you have house, condo or townhouse accommodations?
A. There are several of these available in Mesa. Currently, we do not work with them from a Mesa CVB standpoint but we would be more than happy to put you in contact with them. We just would not be able to assist with the overall planning of it.
Q. What long stays are available for us snowbirds?
A. The rentals are probably going to be the most economical. There are a lot of rentals available during this time. We do have a couple of extended stay properties that are out here, from the Residence Inn to the Extended Stay America, but you are probably going to be better off renting a townhouse or condo.
Q. Where can I view this presentation?
A. We have posted in on MailPound. Please click here to view it.