Now, Tucson and Southern Arizona Poised for Record Tourism Traffic During Thanksgiving Week

Published on November 27, 2025

Southern Arizona will see one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in years with major airports and highways will be packed with holiday travellers. Estimating 1.7 million Arizonians will be travelling this Thanksgiving, and Tucson International Airport will see a significant increase in passenger traffic.

Increased Travel Activity in Southern Arizona for the Week of Thanksgiving

This week will be Arizona’s busiest travel week of the year. This week will have the highest amount of travelers for both air and car travel in the state. According to the leading travel organization, the busiest travel days include the days before Thanksgiving and of course Thanksgiving Sundays as travelers go home for the holiday. The busiest travel days before Thanksgiving are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and the Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest travel day as people go home from the holiday.

As the Tucson International Airport on the other side of the state is expecting a surge of travel, the airports in Southern Arizona are expecting a surge of travel as well. It estimates suggest that during this week of travel, 1.5 million people are accessible driving in the state of Arizona. Major driving routes such as Interstates 10, 19, 40, and 8 see a large volume of both in-state and out-of-state travelers. All major holiday destinations in Southern Arizona will be expecting a large volume of holiday travelers including the popular, Tombstone and Bisbee.

The Growth of Southern Arizona’s Tourism Sector

Southern Arizona has long been a favorite of domestic and international travelers due to its distinctive history, adventures, and culture. Much of Southern Arizona’s tourism history will also be shaped by travelers visiting to celebrate family gatherings and Thanksgiving Dinner, since many people will be arriving to celebrate family gatherings and Thanksgiving Dinner in the region.

As the biggest city in the region, Tucson will always be a tourism center due to its diverse arts, popular restaurants and natural attractions, including Saguaro National Park. Tucson’s tourism business will always be important because of Tucson’s blend of desert scenery and southwestern culture. Visitors can explore the area’s history at sites such as San Xavier del Bac Mission and Old Tucson Studios, while outdoor lovers can take a trip to the nearby hiking trails and desert mountain parks.

Thanksgiving travelers to Tucson, Southern Arizona, and Southern Arizona’s small towns and historic sites, like Bisbee and Tombstone, thanks to their downtown, merchants, and art work. Bisbee is a former mining town with a charming downtown and site rich with history and relics. Tombstone is home to the O.K. Corral Gun Fight.

Thanksgiving and other travelers are advised to “check ahead” because of Tucson’s Southern Arizona travelers weeks before the holiday. Tucson International Airport strongly recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before the flight’s take off to avoid delays at parking and security. Most travelers will be on the road and Sanchez advises checking traffic within 2 hours of road travel to avoid delays to help travel go smoothly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday of Thanksgiving.

AAA has a great suggestion to make the most of the many scenic rest stops along Arizona’s highways. They are a great place to stretch your legs and eat a meal while taking in a view of the Arizona desert. People looking to spend time in Tucson and other Southern Arizona locations should make a reservation in advance. They are filling quickly in this high-demand season for hotels, motels, and short term rentals.

Economic Effects of Thanksgiving Travel to Southern Arizona

Because of the many visitors, Southern Arizona’s tourism industry has its most profitable season during the Thanksgiving holiday. Tourism experts see a boost of activity in all of the region’s restaurants and places for entertainment. Southern Arizona also gains economically from its many small and medium sized businesses all the way to downtown Tucson’s boutiques and large businesses in the tourism industry. They supply guided tours and outdoor activities.

This part of Arizona also gains from travelers from other countries who are discovering its unique landscapes, places of historical significance, and its many cultural offerings.” Arizona is a top destination where travelers can achieve a balance of recreational activities and education.”

Looking Forward: Winter Travel Season in Arizona

Starting with Thanksgiving week, one of the busiest in the travel calendar every year, we also kick off Arizona’s winter travel industry peak season. Warm temperatures, the great outdoors, and an incredible array of activities attract tourists from the cold northern states and other nations. This year, starting in December and continuing well beyond, Southern Arizona is set to be a top winter destination for travelers escaping the cold winter weather.

Conclusion

This year for the Thanksgiving week, Southern Arizona will be its busiest to date, with Tucson International Airport set to handle record passenger loads, and the area’s highways will be similarly busy. This will be a positive step for the tourism industry with the growth of Tucson and also of the nearby towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, with their many travelers exploring the area’s history and nature. Local businesses, and the area’s attractions will help businesses in an area that Southern Arizona’s tourism industry is recovering.