PHOENIX – Nov. 16, 2004 – Conde Nast Traveler magazine listed seven Greater Phoenix hotel properties among its 50 Top United States Resorts in their 2004 Readers' Choice Awards. The awards, which appear in the November 2004 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, were compiled from more than 20,000 reader responses. Resorts were evaluated on five essential characteristics: rooms, service, food/dining, location, overall design and activities/facilities.

"National and international marketing programs developed by destination marketing organizations like ours, on behalf of Greater Phoenix, have raised awareness of the area as a premier resort destination with premier spas, championship golf, shopping, culture and cuisine," explained Scott White, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Greater Phoenix CVB. "This, in turn, generates additional economic impact for the entire region and the state of Arizona."

The Boulders Resort & Spa scored an 89.5, The Phoenician Resort & Spa, 87.4, The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, 86.8, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 83.1, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa 82.9, the Arizona Biltmore Resort 82.6, and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain 81.7. Also listed among the Top 50 Resorts is the Enchantment Resort in Sedona at 86.6.

The selection of seven highly regarded resorts is a further indication that the Greater Phoenix area has elevated into a premier, top-tier destination for both leisure and meetings travelers. With the frequency of flights and low fare options available into Sky Harbor International Airport, the region is preparing for an increase in hotel occupancy and a strong visitor showing this winter season.

More than 13 million people visit Greater Phoenix each year, contributing more than $6 billion directly to the area's economy. Tourism in Greater Phoenix also accounts for approximately 225,000 jobs.

For more information, please visit www.visitphoenix.com.