/ Modified jan 2, 2013 9:16 a.m.

SB 1070 Still Hurting Business

Newspaper reports Phoenix convention bookings down

Arizona's 2010 immigration enforcement law is being called a lingering hindrance to Phoenix's ability to lure business to its convention center.

Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Scott Dunn says a misperception that Phoenix does not value diversity is an impediment to attracting national conventions.

Dunn says many conventions are planned years ahead and that some effects of the law aren't being seen until now.

The Arizona Republic reports that convention center bookings are down by as much as 30 percent from 2009.

The newspaper says the immigration law, known as SB 1070, is one of several possible factors. Others include the recession and tighter strings on corporate and government travel.

However, the Republic says other cities with comparable convention facilities have slowly rebounding or relatively flat guest counts.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down several parts of the legislation on challenge by the federal government. The court upheld the most controversial provision, requiring law-enforcement officers to check the status of anyone they stop who is suspected of being in the country illegally.

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