MESA, Ariz.—Visit Mesa president and CEO Marc Garcia was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame during the Arizona Governor’s Tourism Awards. The awards and Hall of Fame ceremony was held Aug. 14, as part of the 2026 Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tucson.
The Arizona Office of Tourism presents the Hall of Fame award annually to recognize individuals whose sustained leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on the state’s visitor economy. Garcia was honored for nearly three decades of work in Arizona tourism and for helping position Mesa as a nationally recognized destination.
“Induction into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame celebrates people who fundamentally change the industry, and Marc Garcia’s far-reaching impact on Mesa speaks for itself,” said Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Through his unwavering commitment to increasing accessibility, strategic brand building, and ongoing engagement with community stakeholders, Marc has positioned Visit Mesa both as a premier destination marketing organization and a leader within the Mesa community. We’re excited to recognize his lasting impact on Mesa and see what he does next.”
Garcia joined Visit Mesa in 2012. During his tenure, the organization reported that booked room nights and associated visitor expenditures increased by more than 891%, while its operating budget grew by more than 300%. Visit Mesa said the growth generated tens of millions of dollars in economic impact, supported thousands of jobs, and benefited local businesses.
In 2019, Garcia led Mesa’s effort to become the nation’s first Autism Certified City through a partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The initiative trained thousands of hospitality employees, city personnel, and community members in autism awareness.
Garcia also helped establish the Mesa For All foundation and supported partnerships with organizations, including Wheel the World, Aira, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, Threshold 360, AbleVu, the Kyah Rayne Foundation, and TravelAbility.
Garcia’s statewide advocacy included supporting legislation passed in 2026 that authorizes Arizona municipalities and counties to establish tourism improvement areas. The law enables lodging-supported investment in destination promotion.
Before joining Visit Mesa, Garcia spent 15 years with Visit Phoenix. His work included advocacy connected to the redevelopment of Phoenix Civic Plaza into the Phoenix Convention Center and the development of the 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. He also participated in efforts to restore Arizona’s meetings and tourism business after boycotts following the passage of SB 1070 in 2010.
“It is an absolute honor to be inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame and join a long list of leaders who have contributed to the growth of our state’s visitor industry,” Garcia said. “Every campaign, partnership, and program we’ve built over the years has been a team effort with staff, city stakeholders, community members, partners, and other destination marketing organizations. From growing our city’s economic footprint to expanding what accessibility in travel can look like, I’m proud of what we have accomplished, and I’m grateful to work in an industry that keeps pushing destinations like Mesa to think bigger. There’s still a lot ahead for Mesa and for Arizona’s visitor industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
In addition, Ashley Stwertnik, Visit Mesa’s producer of multimedia projects and host of the City Limitless Podcast, also received a Rising Star Award.
Stwertnik’s Rising Star Award recognizes emerging visitor-industry professionals who demonstrate drive, determination, and initiative. Through the City Limitless Podcast, she features conversations with people shaping Mesa and guests visiting the destination.
