Arizona Launches Passport250 Mobile Pass to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
PHOENIX – Today, Arizona’s America250 Commission and the Arizona Office of Tourism launched Passport250, an innovative mobile pass delivered directly to mobile devices designed to guide Arizonans and visitors through the state's rich heritage in celebration of America's 250th birthday, or “Semiquincentennial.”
The launch version of pass features 25 special locations around the state, with additional locations to be added regularly leading up to the Semiquincentennial next year.
“Passport250 offers immersive exploration of Arizona's iconic landmarks, historical sites, cultural institutions, and unique experiences. It’s grounded in the values that sustain Arizona, and like the Ponderosa Pine, you won’t find something more enduring,” said Secretary of State and Chairman of the Arizona America250 Commission, Adrian Fontes. “We are helping everyone celebrate our Five C’s in 250 ways while we elevate the stories that define us. This pass is just one more way to strengthen our civic faith and remind us how history can bring us together.”
Passport250 digitally connects travelers with a wide variety of Arizona places and experiences. Featured categories include Treasures250, Dark Skies250, Indigenous Travel250 and Commemorate250, with upcoming additions including Dine250 and Cheers250. After a quick sign-up, the pass is immediately delivered to a travelers’ phone and they can begin exploring locations like Sharlot Hall Museum, Lowell Observatory, Canyon de Chelly and Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.
As Arizona prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the Arizona America250 Commission is inviting residents, local leaders, and community stakeholders to help shape the story. Through the Passport250 pass, the Commission will highlight 250 remarkable places across the state and we’re asking Arizonans to nominate the landmarks, hidden gems, favorite eateries, and cultural events that reflect the heart and spirit of their communities using this form. Additionally, Passport250 holders will soon be able to earn and redeem prizes by checking in to locations on the pass.
“Passport250 makes it super simple and fun to explore Arizona's amazing places, uncover cool hidden spots and even support local communities,” said Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, Interim Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “It's about celebrating our nation’s birthday by discovering what makes Arizona special, from tribal lands to unique cultural experiences, and so much more.”
Passport250 allows users to build custom adventures, learn compelling stories about Arizona’s past and present and actively participate in statewide celebrations. The mobile pass promotes responsible heritage tourism and supports institutions dedicated to preserving Arizona’s historical and cultural treasures.
Users can enjoy free admission at select Passport250 sites by accessing the separate Act One Culture Pass, available at nearly 200 libraries statewide. With over 500,000 passes offered each year, this program opens Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures to students, retirees and under-resourced families. Check out a pass at your local library and start your Passport250 adventure today.
Click through to the Passport250 mobile pass today and start your journey across Arizona by visiting AZpassport250.com.
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Arizona America250 Media Contacts:
Laura Terech, (602) 989-5769, [email protected]
JP Martin, (602) 527-0263, [email protected]
About the Arizona America250 Commission: The Arizona America250 Commission is a nonpartisan effort to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary by honoring Arizona’s role in American history, celebrating diverse stories and inspiring civic pride across all communities.
AOT Media Contacts:
Josh Coddington, (480) 438-4700, [email protected]
Veronica Quintero, (602) 750-1294, [email protected]
About the Arizona Office of Tourism: The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) works to strengthen and grow Arizona's economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as the leading tourism destination for domestic and international travelers. In 2024, tourism employed more than 193,800 Arizonans and contributed over $4.3 billion in tax revenue to our federal, state and local economies.