What's New in Sedona, AZ
Travel Trade News - July 2022
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Dear Industry Friends,
There’s something about Sedona that stays with people long after they leave. To spend time among these ancient red rock mountains and canyons. To weave your way through its evergreen forests and unspoiled wilderness areas. To be here is to find yourself effortlessly in the moment, whether that moment is thrilling, invigorating, restorative or healing.
Preserving and protecting Red Rock Country’s natural beauty is a responsibility we all share – something that takes a little effort from us all. One thing we’d invite all of our visitors and residents to do is to add your name to the Sedona Cares Challenge and make a pledge to take care of the environment. It’s a simple act that shows how much YOU care, too.
The 7 guiding principles of Leave No Trace below will help your clients give Sedona the level of respect that matches their level of awe.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Stick to Trails
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Check Campfire Restrictions
- Leave What You Find
- Respect Wildlife
- Share the Outdoors
Please have your clients take a look before they arrive so they can all explore, bike and hike happy and safely.
We are looking forward to assisting you with itinerary ideas, obtaining FIT or group rates and information from our business partners!
Lastly, we would like to wish you all a happy fourth of July!
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Michelle Conway Named President/CEO of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau |
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Michelle Conway has been named the President and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, Board of Directors Chairman Al Comello announced June 1. Conway has served as Interim President and CEO since March.
“Michelle has convincingly demonstrated the leadership this critical position requires,” Al Comello Board Chairman said. “The Board believes her executive skills, the respect she has earned in the community and her understanding of the needs of our members eminently qualify her to lead in the years ahead.”
“Michelle has a keen eye for reinforcing Sedona as a sustainable destination and communicating our priorities to visitors,” said Vice Chair and incoming Board Chair Jennifer Perry. “She has outlined clear goals for the coming year that address the current needs of our community and tourism industry.”
“I wish to thank the Board for their confidence and our amazing staff for their dedication and professionalism during challenging times,” Conway said. “I also want to acknowledge our 725+ partners for their critical role in our economic health. Supporting their stability and growth is a top priority.”
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Sedona Shuttle
For Hikers Wanting To Access the Area’s Most Popular Trails
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Sedona Shuttle connects hikers with four popular trailheads – Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista and Little Horse. During the first month of operations the Sedona Shuttle trailhead routes logged more than 60,000 boarding's, greatly reducing the impact of parking and traffic in neighborhoods around the four destination trailheads. Transit Manager Robert Weber has received numerous positive emails and calls from residents.
One question that has come up often is “Can I still park at Cathedral Rock or Soldier Pass for a sunrise hike” The answer is yes!
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At the Soldier Pass trailhead, parking is closed daily between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and closed while the shuttle is running (Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). However, you may park at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride parking lot (park hours start at 5 a.m.), and hike or bike one mile on the new multi-use trail to the trailhead. Thursday through Sunday you could catch the shuttle returning to Posse Grounds starting shortly after 8 am.
The parking lot at Cathedral Rock trailhead is only closed when the shuttle is running (Thursday through Sunday, 8 am to 6:30 pm). After the shuttle goes into operation at 8 am, you’ll be able to leave the lot, but not enter. Please be aware, that even in the early morning there is limited parking at Cathedral Rock, and the lot could be full.
Public Transit powered by the City of Sedona Government, with the support of the Red Rock Ranger District - U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
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State Route 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvement |
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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, has initiated a project on State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff that is expected to be under construction in early spring 2022 and anticipated to be completed in late 2023. The project includes:
- Rockfall Mitigation
- Drainage & Sediment Control
- Pumphouse Wash Bridge Rehabilitation
The improvements are needed to continue maintaining safety and access along SR 89A.
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8' x 30' vehicle restrictions in the Pumphouse Wash Bridge work zone!!!
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8-foot vehicle width and 30-foot vehicle length restrictions in the Pumphouse Wash Bridge work zone are scheduled to be in place through the fall 2022. These restrictions are in effect 24/7. Due to the narrow roadway, drivers will have to turn around if their vehicle exceeds the width and length restrictions. |
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Ambiente - A Landscape Hotel |
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As one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2022, Ambiente is set to welcome its first guests later this year, and local family developer Two Sister Bosses is offering a first glance inside one of the property’s most sumptuous offerings – the ultra-therapeutic, Sedona-inspired Velvet Spa.
The new details include these highlights:
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- Situated within Ambiente's two-story, biophilic lobby building, located immediately at the entrance to the three-acre property, Velvet’s intimate, three-room spa will offer a range of restorative treatments that integrate locally sourced ingredients embodying the transformative healing properties for which Sedona is widely revered.
- Soon to be one of the most renowned spas in the Southwest, Velvet’s cutting-edge wellness offerings were uniquely curated by Jennifer May, co-owner of Two Sister Bosses, the family-owned developer of Ambiente, whose background as a professional aesthetician with more than 20 years of experience largely influenced the development of the harmonious hideaway’s lavish treatment menu.
- Warm-toned, minimalist and earthy by design, Velvet’s overarching composition evokes a sense of grounding and the allowing of oneself to reconnect with the natural environment that awaits in its pristine tranquility just beyond Ambiente’s front doors.
- Some of the spa's standout offerings/amenities include: Private, outdoor massages held on the rooftop of the guest's Atrium accommodations; A vibro-acoustic sound- and light-therapy lounge; A nano-oxygenated hydrotherapy soaking room; An outdoor, infrared sauna; and custom aromatherapy inclusions (optional for each treatment).
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Holiday Inn Express Advances Sustainable Business Certification |
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Cobalt Escapes - Local DMC's Wine Tours/Food Tours |
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From Food Tours to Cooking Class and Dinners in the Sedona area, Cobalt Escapes' events are uniquely local culinary experiences suitable for all ages.
Tastings at distinctive restaurants, exclusive private residences, and extraordinary specialty food stores. A local's perspective on cuisine history of Sedona.
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Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock – the celebrated adventure resort located at the foot of the red rocks in Arizona – announces the appointment of Executive Chef Hector Vazquez. With 35 years of culinary experience, Vazquez joins the Hilton Sedona team to oversee culinary operations for all resort restaurants, events and catering services.
Born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Vazquez embraced the colors and culture of the region’s gastronomy, which served as a foundation in his culinary education and evolution.
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Golden Goose American Grill |
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Looking for a location for a group gathering? Look no further than the Golden Goose American Grill. They can accommodate groups up to 25 in their private room or 60 in their main dining room. All-inclusive meal pricing available for lunch or dinner.
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Director of Tourism Development
928.204.1123 (ext. 160)
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