CONTACT: Phillip Cantrell
Public Information Officer
Desk: (520) 229-4772
Cell: (520) 549-9953
pcantrell@orovalleyaz.gov
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 4, 2026) – The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce the launch of its new tourism website, ExploreOroValley.com, a destination platform designed to inspire visitation, support local businesses, and showcase the experiences that make Oro Valley one of Arizona’s most vibrant desert destinations.
The new website brings together Oro Valley’s outdoor adventure, arts and culture, dining, events, public art, wellness experiences, and accommodations into one visually immersive and easy-to-navigate platform. While the website was developed specifically for visitors, it is also a great resource for residents and regional day-trippers to discover exciting new ways to explore Oro Valley.
The launch marks a major milestone for the Town’s tourism and destination marketing efforts and reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Oro Valley’s presence as a year-round travel destination in Southern Arizona.
ExploreOroValley.com was built with a strong focus on user experience, mobile accessibility, visual storytelling, and long-term tourism growth.
Key features of the new website include:
- Responsive design for a mobile-friendly experience
- Enhanced event listings and calendar functionality
- Curated things-to-do content and trip inspiration
- Integrated lodging, dining, shopping, and attraction listings
- Public art and outdoor recreation highlights
“This website is more than just a tourism tool. It’s a reflection of who we are as a community,” said Paul Melcher, Community and Economic Development Director for the Town of Oro Valley. “We wanted to create something that captures the feeling of being here, whether that’s hiking at sunrise, discovering public art, attending an event, relaxing at a resort, or simply experiencing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The new site allows us to tell Oro Valley’s story in a much more compelling and inspiring way.”
A key part of telling Oro Valley’s story is creating a visual identity that captures the character of the town. The new Explore Oro Valley brand was designed to feel modern, active, welcoming, and rooted in the outdoor lifestyle that defines this place. Beyond supporting tourism marketing efforts, it is intended to foster local pride and strengthen regional recognition.
Inspired by the colors and landscapes of the Sonoran Desert, the primary logo (shown below, left) combines a clean, contemporary aesthetic with elements that evoke the area’s natural surroundings, sense of movement, and spirit of exploration. The secondary logos (shown below, right) provide additional flexibility and personality, drawing inspiration from the changing light and atmosphere of the desert—from sunrise and bright afternoons to the star-filled night skies that make Southern Arizona so distinctive.
The most effective destination brands are grounded in authenticity. They succeed when the story being shared reflects the experiences, values, and character of the people who live there. Oro Valley is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, exceptional quality of life, and connection to the Sonoran Desert. The Explore Oro Valley brand was created to celebrate those defining qualities and share them with visitors and residents alike.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in Oro Valley’s economy. In fact, an estimated 30% of the sales taxes collected at point-of-sale are paid by non-residents such as tourists and regional visitors. Sales taxes comprise nearly 50% of the Town’s General Fund. So, in addition to directly supporting Oro Valley businesses, visitors are also directly funding core services like police, roads and parks.
“The launch of this website and new brand identity represents an exciting new chapter for Oro Valley,” said Jeff Wilkins, Oro Valley Town Manager. “In the same week the website went live, Town Council voted to approve Oro Valley’s Leisure Travel Plan, which includes a focus on increasing sports tourism, creating a year-round calendar of events, and enhancing Steam Pump Ranch as a visitor destination. With the website in place and a newly approved plan, we are well positioned to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and capitalize on new opportunities that strengthen our economy and enhance quality of life for residents.”
Both the branding and the website were developed in partnership with Tempest, a destination marketing industry leader.
