Why Marana Is a Rising Star for Travelers in 2026

The Scottish Highlands. France. Liverpool. South Africa. Not bad company — and now Marana, Arizona can add its name to the list.

On the Rise

Marana has been named a Rising Star Travel Destination for 2026 in HomeToGo’s 2026 Travel Trends Report, a global forecast that highlights destinations around the world seeing the fastest growth in traveler interest. For Marana, the recognition reflects years of intentional work to showcase the community’s landscapes, experiences, and sense of place — and signals that travelers are taking notice.

CreditMarana Police Department Facebook

What Put Marana on the Map

Each year, HomeToGo identifies emerging travel trends and analyzes year-over-year search data across its global platform to spotlight destinations gaining momentum. For 2026, Marana ranked at the top of the Southwest and Mountain West within the “Neo-Western Revival” trend.

This trend points to a growing desire for authentic Western landscapes, outdoor recreation, and small-town destinations — places that feel grounded, scenic, and connected to their surroundings.

In Marana, that looks like trailheads just minutes from town, wide-open desert views, dark skies, and room to slow down — all paired with easy access to dining, wellness, and resort amenities. As travelers increasingly move away from large metropolitan areas in favor of place-based experiences, Marana has seen nearly a 300% increase in year-over-year search interest on the HomeToGo platform.

Two other Arizona communities — Queen Creek and Bisbee — were also recognized, each reflecting a different expression of the state’s growing appeal to modern travelers.

PicturedA heart shaped pad on a prickly pear at Tortolita Preserve.

CreditDeidre Rosenberg

High Value, With Options to Elevate Your Stay

Affordability was a key component of HomeToGo’s ranking methodology, with Rising Star destinations maintaining a median nightly cost of $100 or less per person. That accessibility is part of what makes Marana appealing, but it’s only part of the story.

Visitors can enjoy value-driven accommodations and experiences while also accessing world-class luxury, including The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. In Marana, travelers don’t have to choose between affordability and elevated experiences — they can enjoy both.

CreditSabrina Nelson

What This Recognition Means for Marana

As a Rising Star destination, Marana is expected to see increased visitor interest in 2026 and beyond. That growth brings meaningful benefits to the community, including spending at hotels, restaurants, shops, and locally owned businesses.

At the same time, Discover Marana remains focused on promoting a wide range of experiences and trail systems to help distribute visitation responsibly, ensuring Marana’s outdoor spaces remain enjoyable for both visitors and residents.

Planning for the Moment

This recognition aligns closely with Marana’s 10-year Tourism Master Plan, now in the implementation phase. The plan is designed to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and quality of life — guided by a simple principle: great places to visit are also great places to live.

Marana didn’t stumble into this moment. The community has planned for it — and is ready.

CreditMarana Parks & Recreation

More Reasons Marana Is Having a Moment

Recent milestones highlight Marana’s growing momentum. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain earned a prestigious Michelin Key, continued its Forbes Five-Star streak, and was named among Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Resorts. Discover Marana also received a PRSA IMPACT Award for Tourism Master Plan communications, and Marana ranked #3 among the best places to live in Arizona — underscoring its appeal as both a destination and a place to call home.

Plan Your Trip

If Marana has been on your list — or if you’re discovering it for the first time — 2026 may be the perfect year to visit. With growing momentum, thoughtful planning, and experiences rooted in authenticity, Marana is stepping into the spotlight while staying true to what makes it special.

Let us help you plan your trip!

PicturedWestern Heritage is Alive in Marana

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Author

Stefanie Boe

Tourism and Marketing Manager, Discover Marana/Town of Marana

Stefanie Boe is not just the Tourism and Marketing Manager for Discover Marana, she is also a passionate storyteller and a proud resident of the town. She has deep roots in the Marana area, going back to the 1970s when her family moved here from Chicago. She loves to share the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Marana with visitors and locals alike.

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