A state audit has found the agency responsible for promoting Arizona tourism failed to follow spending requirements.

The audit found the Office of Tourism didn’t justify and document spending on sponsorships, trade shows and tours to the tune of $81,239. 

The Arizona Auditor General’s Office also said the agency failed to account for some tourism revenues distributed for Maricopa County. In fiscal year 2020, the office distributed approximately $775,000 to 32 tourism entities and 3 Tribal Nations.

According to the audit, the Office of Tourism failed to comply with some conflict-of-interest requirements, including employees completing new disclosure forms when their circumstances changed and maintaining a special disclosure file for public review.

Last year’s budget for the Arizona Office of Tourism was $24.3 million, mostly coming from the state’s general fund, tribal gaming contributions and Maricopa County tourism taxes.

In its response letter, the agency said it’s already updated several procedures to improve efficiency and is committed to following the audit recommendations.