Restoring Arizona's Image Following Immigration Law

PHOENIX - Cities across the country are boycotting Arizona by canceling travel and business contracts. But Arizona is fighting back to regain those tourism dollars.

Officials spent about a month coming up with a plan. Industry leaders have come together to determine that despite all the protests and boycotts, Arizona's brand is still very strong. There is still a desire among tourists and businesses to travel here.

The challenge is trying to convince them not to change their mind.

"We would like to get into a proactive mode instead of a reactive mode," says Sherry Henry with the Arizona Office of Tourism. Since mid-May, her office has brought together tourism leaders from all over the state to construct the plan.

Gov. Brewer said the state will provide $250,000 for the marketing campaign, to be augmented by $30,000 from the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association.

With that, the tourism task force will start a major public relations push. The major focus will be on the convention business, and the organizers of large events will be able to meet face-to-face with the governor.

They're also working to create an SB 1070 fact sheet, hoping to separate the facts from the myths.

"We want to make sure that when people ask a question, we have very specific answers to those questions."

Through that major PR push, they hope to focus on a few target markets from coast to coast, hoping to reverse their boycotts.

"We have to focus on the mission, which is to continue to reach out. We are not going to boycott back -- boycotts are not the answer," says Henry.

Henry said it's too early to say if there has been an impact on tourism.

In addition to areas in the U.S., tourism leaders are planning to reach out to cities south of the border. Mexico has already issued an Arizona travel alert.

The law takes effect July 29, barring an injunction.