MTCVB Audit Information

The independent financial and performance audits of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, commissioned by the City of Tucson and Pima County, have been completed. The MTCVB has been working closely with these two government agencies for the past nine months to ensure a successful review of the organization. The following are MTCVB’s official response to the audits, stakeholder testimonials and tourism statistics related to the process.

Audit Response

251 Stakeholders Return Perception Survey - October, 2011

The following comments are from the MTCVB Stakeholder Survey Report published in October as the final component of the audit commissioned this year by The City of Tucson and Pima County. The survey was administered last summer to assess perceptions of the Bureau by partners and board members. The survey, sent to 2,010 individuals, resulted in 251 responses, or a 12.5 percent return.

Many of the respondents cited positive experiences with the Bureau, including these notable examples:

• The bureau does an outstanding job with available funding.
• Staff at the Visitor Center are outstanding.
• Customer service in general is outstanding.
• The networking from organized events is valuable.
• Visitor Guide and website viewed as positive.

Areas of concern identified by the survey include:

• The convention center is regarded as inadequate and unable to attract major groups or associations.
• The poor quality of the convention center is amplified by the perception of the low quality of downtown hotels and the need for a major property linked to the convention center.
• The visitor center is difficult to find, while parking is inadequate.
• More large modern hotels suitable for conventions and citywide events are needed.
• Negotiate more flights into Tucson International Airport.

The MTCVB has supported the audit process, as it not only gave us a chance to gain constructive feedback that will serve to improve our organization but helped increase awareness of the importance of the tourism industry to our local economy. Staff currently is implementing many of the recommendations for improvements made by the audit committee.

October 22, 2011

Since July, the MTCVB Board Chair and President have had three follow-up meetings with the Audit Committee. The committee has acknowledged that the MTCVB has made tremendous progress in implementing many of the 24 recommendations listed in the audit. The MTCVB continues working to improve in the areas that will strengthen the organization, and we look forward to keeping you posted on our success.

July 21, 2011

Read the MTCVB's response regarding the City of Tucson and Pima County audits.

City of Tucson and Pima County Audit Documents

• Pima County Performance Audit Report (PDF) - July 12, 2011
• City of Tucson Audit & Performance Commission - Part I (PDF) - April 7, 2011
• City of Tucson Audit & Performance Commission - Part II (PDF) - June 21, 2011

MTCVB Testimonials

Read a variety of testimonials from local businesses in support of the MTCVB's mission and purpose. Read additional testimonials sent to us from our meeting planner customers.

Alex Ahluwalla
General Manager
JW Marriott Starr Pass Tucson

Helinda Lizarraga
General Manager
Doubletree Hotel Tucson

Richard Brooks
Director of Sales and Marketing
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Tucson

Rachel Sacco
President & CEO
Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Gary Williams
General Manager
Tucson Rodeo
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros

Russell True
Owner
White Stallion Ranch

Mark Lindsey
Director of Sales and Marketing
Loews Ventana Canyon

Tom Philabaum
Exhibitions Coordinator, Tucson Glass Festival
Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studios