by Dawn Gilbertson
The Arizona Republic

The tourism fallout from the state’s new immigration law is sparking calls for more political activism by industry members.

At the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tucson last week, industry leaders encouraged attendees to support politicians who have come to their support in the wake of meeting cancellations and calls for travel boycotts of the state and to vote out anyone they feel has caused some of the damage.

“Now is our opportunity as an industry to take our elected leaders who are not supporting our industry and get them out of office,” said Debbie Johnson, CEO of the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association.

Brian Johnson, managing director of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, singled out U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., as the industry’s biggest supporter during the backlash. She has gone on national television to tout the industry’s economic impact in Arizona and to argue against boycotts.

She also has called, at individual hoteliers’ requests, groups that are thinking of canceling meetings because they don’t want to face the controversy.

“She has really stepped up to the plate as our tourism champion,” Brian Johnson said.

He and others suggested that attendees write her a thank-you note and/or make a campaign contribution.

Debbie Johnson said U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., has been “fantastic” in helping to get correct information out about the new law.

Read the rest at www.azcentral.com.