11 Reasons The World is Watching Tucson

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REASONS

When we first launched this magazine, there was one central theme fueling it.

Specifically, that The World Was Watching Tucson. There are so many exciting advances and achievements coming out of this region that are making a difference and changing the world. While many outside our region respect and celebrate those, perhaps our very own residents don’t always know about them. This is the foundation behind BizTucson Magazine and the mantra we follow with each story we write. So, for our Summer 2022 issue, we proudly offer not 5, not 10 but an impressive “11 Reasons the World is Watching Tucson.”

We think the world is watching because of our globally recognized cuisine, world-class cycling and dedication to wellness, our stellar achievements in space and defense, our growing significance in mining technology and biosciences − not to mention our top-ranked University of Arizona, which powers so much of our progress.

Did you know this region is referred to not only as “Optics Valley” but also “The Silicon Desert”? As IBM’s Calline Sanchez tells us, “As much as Santa Clara and San Jose are the heart of the Silicon Valley, Tucson is a geo-rival for technology breakthroughs.”

We think Tucson is a great place and we hope you enjoy our business take on the region’s very best attributes.

No.1

UNESCO City of Gastronomy

Tucson was among the first U.S. cities to receive the prestigious UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Two-thirds of the city’s 1,200+ restaurants and bars are locally owned, compared to the national average of 40%.

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No.2

Silicon Desert

With a prevalence of corporations including IBM, local technology clusters, the University of Arizona and support organizations, Tucson is a place the world is watching.

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No.3

Bioscience Mecca

One of the region’s most respected business voices says Tucson is the next Austin, San Diego and Boston when it comes to biotech and biomedical industries.

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No.4

City of Wellness

World-renowned spas, 300+ days of sunshine and a climate perfect for cycling, walking and outdoor recreation make Tucson one of the top U.S. wellness destinations.

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No.5

Aerospace & Defense Megaregion

Led by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the region is home to the fifth-highest concentration of aerospace and defense employees in the country.

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the WORLD is WATCHING

Space City of the Southwest

NASA calls the University of Arizona a “crown jewel” among U.S. universities in space science research. A growing sector of private space enterprises here are only accelerating our reputation.

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Cycling City USA

With a signature bike path voted USA Today’s Best Recreational Trail for two years in a row, as well as our worldclass El Tour de Tucson bike race, Tucson can’t be beat as a USA Cycling City.

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Mining, Mineral & Surface Technology

With a rich mining history dating back 1,000 years, the region is becoming an emerging hub for mining technology thanks not only to Caterpillar, but many other companies who have established roots here.

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Downtown Revitalization

Thanks to bullish investment, Downtown Tucson is now a thriving city center with multiple hotels, a revamped convention center, a street car and signature restaurants which have garnered national notice.

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No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 No. 9

Optics Valley

Designated an “Optics Valley” in the 1990s, this region offers the lucrative and high-paying jobs that keep the best of the best here. Optics has a $2 billion impact on the state.

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No.10

World’s Largest Gem Show

The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show isn’t just a normal tourist attraction, it’s THE tourist attraction for the region, bringing the world to Tucson during the winter for a $131 million economic impact.

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No.11