Tucson, AZ – Tucson International Airport (TUS) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Tucson Botanical Gardens in celebration of the Gardens’ 50th anniversary. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to showcasing the cultural richness, natural beauty, and welcoming spirit of Southern Arizona to both residents and visitors.
As part of this partnership, TUS will sponsor a historic Los Angeles train depot featured in the Gardens’ newly refreshed train exhibit, The Great Garden Express. This installation highlights the evolution of travel and transportation across the country, with G-scale model trains winding through a Sky Island landscape that reflects the region’s unique ecology and heritage. The depot selected by the Tucson Airport Authority represents a meaningful connection to the history of travel and complements the Gardens’ mission to inspire and educate through nature and design. While rail travel still connects both Tucson and Los Angeles, today TUS has up to 8 daily nonstop flights to the City of Angels, making Los Angeles easily within reach from TUS.
“This partnership is a natural extension of our commitment to welcoming travelers with a sense of place,” said Tucson Airport Authority President/CEO Danette Bewley. “By supporting the Tucson Botanical Gardens, we’re helping to tell the story of Tucson’s vibrant culture and history from the moment visitors arrive.”
Michelle Conklin, CEO/President of Tucson Botanical Gardens, added, “we are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with the Tucson International Airport which allows us to enhance the visitor experience by connecting travel with nature. The airport's sponsorship of a historic Los Angeles depot in our newly reimagined attraction, The Great Garden Express, creates a welcoming gateway that blends travel with a one-of-a-kind display.”
As the Gardens look ahead to the next 50 years, this partnership marks the beginning of expanded collaborations that celebrate Tucson’s identity as a destination of culture, connection, and natural wonder.
MEDIA: PLEASE JOIN US FOR PRESS PREVIEW AND PARTNERSHIP KICK OFF
WHEN: Monday, November 3
10-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
WHO: Danette Bowley, President/CEO, Tucson International Airport
Michelle Conklin, President and CEO, Tucson Botanical Gardens
WHAT: Representatives of Tucson International Airport and Tucson Botanical Gardens
will introduce the partnership and share remarks.
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The Tucson International Airport (TUS) represents 1.5 million Southern Arizona residents. With more than 135,400 landings and takeoffs annually, TUS serves commercial carriers, military, business and general aviation. TUS offers nonstops and convenient one-stop connections to more than 400 cities around the world. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is the top destination to explore outdoor adventures and to experience a rich tapestry of flavors, cultures and traditions.
About the Tucson Botanical Gardens: Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a five-and-a-half-acre collection of 17 gardens in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. A true urban oasis, Tucson Botanical Gardens was selected #4 in USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Gardens Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023 and 2024. This year, Tucson Botanical Gardens is the recipient of a Horticultural Landmark Award from the American Society of Horticultural Science. Gardens include the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, Children’s Garden, Herb Garden and many more that showcase the diversity of plants that can thrive in the Sonoran Desert. Tropical butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion from October through May. Tucson Botanical Gardens offers rotating art displays, community classes, events and international exhibits. Event services are also provided for groups, weddings and social gatherings. The Tucson Botanical Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712. Learn more and purchase tickets at TucsonBotanical.org
###