About Us

Our vision is to create unforgettable memories for visitors who explore Marana’s scenic landscapes, vibrant communities and outdoor adventures. We strive to turn our visitors into ambassadors who will give our community a five-star rating, recommending the area to family and friends.

We believe tourism builds community.

We believe that a rich local business economy will drive the tourism industry.

We believe in trust, transparency, collaboration and strong public-private partnerships.

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.

We look forward to welcoming you to Marana soon!

• Hiking, biking and birding all within minutes. Enjoy the Wild Burro trail or the Tortolita Preserve in the Dove Mountain area or grab your binoculars to go birding at El Rio Preserve.
  
• Saguaro National Park, one of the nation’s most treasured parks with stunning views of the iconic cactus
  
• Ironwood Forest National Monument, an undeveloped area of desert near Marana. Features include an 80-armed saguaro cactus, permit and fee-free camping and solitude.
  
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, a luxury resort that blends majestically into its Sonoran Desert and Tortolita Mountain setting.
  
• Topgolf, a premier entertainment destination with fun golf games for all skill levels

Stefanie has a background in television, marketing, social media and communications, but working in tourism is new for her. She enjoys exploring the trails, attractions, and events in Marana and learning more about the history and ecology of the region. She is especially fascinated by the rare crested saguaros, which have a fan-shaped top instead of an arm.

Some of her favorite places to visit in Marana are the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and Dove Mountain Brewery. She also likes to hike parts of the Arizona Trail, the 800-mile trail system that goes from the border with Mexico to the Utah border. She says it might take the rest of her life, but she is up for the adventure.

Stefanie’s goal is to help people discover Marana and have a memorable experience. She says working for the community where she lives is an honor and she considers herself the biggest cheerleader for the town. She invites everyone to check out Discover Marana’s website and social media for more information and inspiration.

Brandon is a product of the Marana Unified School District and proud Arizona Alumni. His multi-faceted background includes radio and television news, social media distribution, public affairs and communications. He loves spending time outdoors playing in his slow-pitch softball leagues, golfing at Quarry Pines, and being an avid cross-fitter at his local gym, CrossFit Onward.

When welcoming those to town, Brandon encourages everyone to taste the array of Sonoran-style Mexican food that bursts with flavors native to our region and served up at local eateries and food trucks. He also notes that nothing pairs with it better than the wide variety of craft beers brewed locally and tapped at places like Casa Marana and Growler’s Taphouse. But if you are here in October - Terror in the Corn is his favorite heart-pumping experience that lives up to its name.

While he loves being out on the water to beat the heat, every year he looks forward to the monsoon. Especially the lighting shows that bring with it the nostalgic smell of rain that derives from the Creosote bush, a native plant to the Sonoran Desert, a region he is proud to support and hopeful to encourage others to visit.

Ryan moved to Arizona from Kansas City, Missouri in May of 2021, after completing his graduate studies in economic development. He was drawn to Marana by its rich agricultural heritage, its diverse and friendly population, and its stunning scenery of desert and mountains. He likes to explore the many hiking trails in the area, especially the Alamo Springs Trail in the Tortolita Mountains, which offers breathtaking views of both the Wild Burro Canyon and northern Marana.

When Ryan has guests from out of town, he likes to show them the best of what Marana and Southern Arizona have to offer. He takes them to Saguaro National Park, where they can see the iconic saguaro cacti and other wildlife. He treats them to Sonoran Hot Dogs and tacos at one of Marana’s excellent restaurants or taco trucks. He also introduces them to some of the local craft beers and bourbons, such as the Red Sonoran Ale from Button Brew House, or Casa Marana’s selection of bourbons.

Ryan’s favorite time of the year is the monsoon season, when the desert comes alive with rain and greenery. He likes to watch the dramatic thunderstorms and lightning shows from his balcony, or go for a drive to see the waterfalls and streams that appear in the desert. He feels lucky to live in such a beautiful and dynamic place, where he can pursue his passion for economic development and tourism. He is proud to be part of the Discover Marana team, and he hopes to inspire others to discover Marana too.

Curt loves his job because he gets to showcase the many attractions and opportunities that Marana has to offer. He is passionate about creating partnerships with businesses, organizations, and individuals that share his vision of making Marana a great place to live, work, and play. He is always looking for new ways to promote Marana’s assets, such as its regional connectivity, business-friendly government, incentives, properties, talent pool, demographics, and the airport.

One of Curt’s favorite aspects of his job is tourism. He enjoys sharing the culture and history of Marana with visitors and locals alike. He is proud of the Discover Marana team, which works hard to provide information and resources for tourists and residents. He is a regular on the Marana courses, with the Golf Club of Dove Mountain being a favorite. But, he says the most memorable hole is No. 11 at Quarry Pines. It’s a par 3 downhill with canyons on the left, front and right of the green. He says it’s basically a tee to green shot or you’re in a mess of trouble.

When Curt has guests from out of town, he likes to take them to some of his favorite places in Marana. For ambience and experience, he takes them to the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain patio for cocktails and bites. For great Mexican food, he has several options, such as Guadalajara’s Grill, Nana’s Kitchen, and La Olla.

Curt prefers mild winters over monsoons because he can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. You may just see him on the course, on a trail or on his bike this winter.