Marana, Arizona Recognized as a Rising Star Global Travel Destination for 2026

Marana, Arizona has been named a Rising Star Travel Destination for 2026 in HomeToGo’s newly released 2026 Travel Trends Report, joining an international list that includes the Scottish Highlands, France, Liverpool, and South Africa.

The recognition highlights destinations around the world that are experiencing significant growth in traveler interest. Discover Marana, in partnership with the Town of Marana, shared the announcement as another indicator of the community’s growing visibility within the global tourism market.

“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition from HomeToGo’s data-driven travel trends,” said Stefanie Boe, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Discover Marana. “Our team has been intentional about showcasing what makes Marana special, from our landscapes and outdoor experiences to the sense of place that defines our community. It’s exciting to see that work reflected in growing traveler interest.”

HomeToGo identified key travel trends for 2026 and analyzed year-over-year search data across its platform to determine a short list of rising star destinations within each category. Marana ranked at the top of the Southwest and Mountain West within the “Neo-Western Revival” trend, which reflects increased interest in authentic Western landscapes, outdoor recreation, and distinctive small-town destinations.

While Marana residents experience this landscape every day, Western and desert aesthetics have gained renewed popularity in mainstream travel. Influenced in part by pop culture and a shift among younger travelers away from large metropolitan areas, travelers are increasingly seeking place-based experiences rooted in local character. As a result, Marana saw nearly a 300 percent increase in year-over-year search interest on the HomeToGo platform.

Two other Arizona communities, Queen Creek and Bisbee, were also recognized in the report, each representing different expressions of Arizona’s growing appeal to modern travelers.

Affordability was another factor in HomeToGo’s ranking methodology, with each Rising Star destination maintaining a median nightly cost of $100 or less per person. This reinforces Marana’s position as an accessible, high-value travel destination, while still offering a range of resort, wellness, and luxury experiences for visitors seeking elevated amenities.

“The Town of Marana’s vision is to be a trailblazing community that raises the bar for the best quality of life,” said Town Manager Terry Rozema. “This designation confirms what our residents already know – that Marana’s approach to growth, recreation, and placemaking is intentional, forward-looking, and increasingly recognized beyond our region.”

As a Rising Star community, Marana is expected to see increased visitor interest in 2026 and beyond, generating economic benefits through hotel stays, dining, shopping, and locally owned experiences. Discover Marana will continue to promote a broad range of attractions, trail systems, and outdoor experiences to help distribute visitation responsibly and avoid overcrowding.

This recognition aligns with Marana’s 10-year Tourism Master Plan, which is now in the implementation phase. The plan focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and quality of life, guided by the principle that great places to visit are also great places to live.

“Marana has planned for this moment and is prepared for continued, thoughtful growth,” said Boe.

Recent tourism and community milestones include:

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain adds an esteemed Michelin Key to their list of accolades, celebrating 11 consecutive years as a Forbes Five-Star luxury destination and is named among Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Resorts.

Discover Marana wins a Southern Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) IMPACT Award for Excellence in Public Relations in the Government/Public Affairs Campaign category for its Tourism Master Plan.

Marana ranks #3 on list of best places to live in Arizona.

About Discover Marana

Discover Marana is the official destination marketing organization for the town of Marana, Arizona. Our mission is to inspire visitors to discover the natural beauty, rich history, cultural diversity and outdoor adventure that Marana has to offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family-friendly vacation, a romantic escape or an active exploration, Marana has something for everyone. Our town is close to everything the region has to offer, with easy access via Interstate 10, the major freeway through Tucson.