What's New in Sedona AZ ~ The Most Beautiful Place on Earth

What's New in Sedona, Arizona

Travel Trade News: Spring 2018

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Dear Industry Friends,

Everyone who visits Sedona experiences the astonishing beauty. Yet not everyone uncovers the secrets contained within. Now is your chance to be the kind of traveler that goes where others don't.

Delve deeper into this vast landscape defined by a unique collection of soaring stone monoliths in vibrant reddish hues. Explore carving canyons, evergreen forests and quiet oases. Experience the Sedona that only the locals know.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau recently launched a campaign known as "Sedona's Secret 7." It reveals lesser known trails, locations and destinations. The program is designed to help visitors leave the well beaten path behind.

Despite the small town charm of Sedona, red rock country is surprisingly large. Over 1.8 million acres of national forest land encircle the community. Trails and jeep roads branch out in all directions. So even frequent visitors rarely have a chance to do more than scratch the surface. Yet there's so much more to see if you only know where to look.

A wild country of mountains and mesas and sprawling valleys is spread beneath blue skies and an endless supply of sunshine. This is a land held sacred by Native Americans and where cowboys once rode. Red stone formations create a haunting skyline found nowhere else in the world. This is where Arizona keeps the Old West. And this is where a New West has evolved, as a haven for artists, a center of spiritual health and enlightenment, and an epic playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sedona's Secret 7 helps visitors leave the crowds behind and guides them to quiet corners to discover new wonders. The campaign consists of seven categories: hiking, biking, vistas, picnics, arts and culture, stargazing, and spiritual. Within each category, seven locations are revealed for a total of 49 hidden gems.

On the website ( www.SedonaSecret7.com) you can learn more about all categories, watch a compilation video, and view a GPS-enabled map that pinpoints all 49 spots.

Sedona's Secret 7 unlocks a treasure trove of delights. Discover hidden wonders. Experience the Sedona that few others get to see. You will most likely realize you needed one more day in Sedona.

What's not a secret is that Sedona makes the perfect getaway for you. Unplug and connect to something truly special. Let your clients create memories that will last a lifetime.

Please let the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau assist you with information, itinerary ideas, obtaining FIT or group rates and information from their business partners.

We look forward to welcoming you and your clients to Sedona, the most beautiful place on Earth!

Sedona Updates

IPW 2018: May 19-23

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau along with Courtyard by Marriott Sedona, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, and Verde Canyon Railroad will be attending IPW in Denver, CO, and would be delighted to have the opportunity to connect with you and share what Sedona has to offer.

If you are attending, please request an appointment with us to learn why Sedona is the perfect fit for your tour programs. Appointment requests are due April 9.

"The Christ of the Holy Cross" Installation at Chapel of the Holy Cross

The public will soon be able to admire the sculpture " The Christ of The Holy Cross" by James Muir, a Sedona artist, created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. T he Chapel is closed through March 26 for installation of the sculpture. The Chapel will also be closed on April 4 for the bishop giving blessing and dedication.

Due to its popularity, tour vehicles are now asked to drop-off/pick-up your guests at the Chapel of Holy Cross. No tour vehicles are allowed to park on the property. Mini buses are the largest vehicles that tour operators can drop off/pick up guests at the Chapel.

New Air Services to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Southwest Airines is adding six daily nonstop flights: two to San Jose, Calif. and one each to Denver, New Orleans, San Antonio and Austin, Texas. More info here.

Air Canada is also increasing its flight frequency. Starting on Oct. 28, the carrier will add to its nonstop service between Vancouver and Phoenix from four days a week to seven days a week. It will also start operating daily flights between Phoenix and Calgary with more seat availability.

Sedona is only two hours north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There are various shuttle services available and it the most popular gateway airport for Sedona visitors.

Sedona Lodging News

Totally Refreshed Menus: Amara Resort & Spa

There's a new executive chef leading the charge at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen in Sedona at Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa, and he's drawing inspiration from his upbringing to bring more local fare to the menu. Born and raised in a small town in Louisiana, Logan Stephenson grew up hunting and fishing for his food, but slowly got away from that as his career advanced in more metropolitan areas. Now in Sedona, Logan is ready to reembrace the slower pace of life and take a foraged approach by partnering with local wineries, fisheries and farmers to bring more indigenous ingredients to the SaltRock cuisine. See the new banquet menus here, and stay tuned for a totally refreshed menu at SaltRock early this Spring!

Sedona Services

Group dining with incredible views and top-notch entertainment: Sound Bites Grill

Sound Bites Grill offers incredible views, top-notch entertainment, well-trained staff and fresh healthy menu options. They have patio seating for up to 72 guests overlooking Oak Creek Canyon. Sound System and microphone available. Live entertainment and dance floor. Specializing in large corporate groups and tour operators, they offer Vegan menus, gluten free menu options. Open for lunch or dinner. Bus parking is within walking distance. Near shopping, located adjacent to the Hyatt Pinion Point, at the intersection of State Route 179 and 89A.

Contact Michele or Sharon at 928-282-2713 or [email protected].

Art Classes & Off-site Venue: Creative Gateways Open Studios and Gallery

Newly available as event space, you can now hold your lunch/breakfast, retreat, corporate event, or fundraiser at Creative Gateways Open Studios and Gallery. They offer a spacious outdoor area, able to comfortably accommodate up to 150 seated or 250 mingling guests. Indoors, enjoy their gallery, exclusively featuring local resident artists, with an inviting modern design, and complete with a fully equipped kitchen. Located at 45 Birch Blvd in West Sedona, this location is close to all of Sedona's amenities.

They also can organize customized art classes for your clients. To book the space or to schedule a art class, contact [email protected] or call 928-862-4440.

New Exhibit: Sedona Heritage Museum

Winos Wanted: The Sedona Heritage Museum announces a new exhibit on the history of local wine-making, including the story of Arizona ' s first commercial winery, ca. 1880s. This first winery was in Sedona, and run by an immigrant family whose patriarch spent time in jail when Prohibition all but killed the wine industry in Arizona. Enjoy a virtual tour of the lost vineyard and winery, audio letters from jail, historic photos and more.

For groups, call about our admission discount, guided tours, or arrange lunch and a speaker. Bus parking and bus turn-around available. View our master calendar at www.sedonamuseum.org to visit during one of our special events.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gift Shop has locally made art and crafts. A visit to the Museum is a wonderful way for your guests to experience Sedona ' s origins and history in our beautiful orchard setting. 928-282-9501, [email protected].