Seattle ferry boat commuters sailing the Seattle-Bainbridge Island route can expect to be treated with various Random Acts of Sunshine™ by the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT). The agency is looking to inspire travelers to book their next vacation to the Grand Canyon State.

During the month of January, Arizona tourism officials have draped two Jumbo Mark II class ferries that travel the Puget Sound waterways, Tacoma and Wenatchee, with vibrant Arizona images boasting the state's travel offerings and activities. In addition to the vessel domination, the terminal itself, along with ticket booths, turnstiles, and the pedestrian footbridge, will feature campaign images encouraging commuters to visit the Arizona travel website, 325DaysofSun.com, for more ways to enjoy a vacation in the southwestern state.

Adding to the Arizona ferry boat experience, passengers traveling on the 35-minute commute January 14-15, will be treated, at random, by Arizona Ambassadors with gift cards to Seattle area restaurants and a chance to enter an Arizona vacation sweepstakes.

"We hope to make a positive impression on the Seattle area and build a connection to residents so Arizona is top-of-mind as they plan their next vacation," said Debbie Johnson, AOT director. "We want locals to get to know us and remember that Arizona is full of diverse travel destinations where visitors can truly enjoy unique and memorable experiences."

Arizona's consumer travel advertising campaign in Seattle is part of a more concentrated approach that complements the agency's current national campaign already running in U.S. markets. Promotion efforts raise awareness of Arizona as an exciting, warm-weather winter destination.

AOT collaborated with Off Madison Ave advertising firm on the concept, design and execution of the campaign, which will run through February 2016.

As Arizona’s only statewide marketing agency promoting the Grand Canyon State, AOT produces various year-round travel advertising campaigns promoting Arizona as a vibrant travel and tourism destination.

In 2014, more than 40 million visitors generated $20.9 billion throughout the state, injecting nearly $57 million each day into Arizona’s economy. The Arizona travel and tourism industry generates revenue in all 15 Arizona counties, and is responsible for producing $2.8 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues, representing a $1,150 tax break per Arizona household.

Additionally, the Arizona tourism industry employs more than 171,500 Arizona residents. Combined with the secondary employment that is generated, nearly 300,000 Arizona residents are financially impacted by this dynamic, statewide industry. For more industry research data, visit AOT's business site, tourism.az.gov. For information about Arizona travel experiences, see VisitArizona.com.

About Arizona Office of Tourism

Created as an executive agency in 1975, the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) is charged with enhancing the state’s economy and the quality of life for all Arizonans by expanding travel activity and increasing related revenues through tourism promotion. For information on AOT’s program of work, research and media plans, visit tourism.az.gov. For information about Arizona travel experiences, see VisitArizona.com.