Dear Industry Friends,

Remember that great last day of school feeling when you were a kid? The final bell rang, the doors swung open and you and your classmates ran screaming and shrieking through the halls. There wasn't a minute to spare because summer waited just outside. The whole languid season stretched before you and the possibilities seemed endless.  Every season has its own special magic, but only summer means freedom.

Don't be surprised if a visit to Sedona rekindles that sense of electric joy. The sun-splashed red rock landscape is a playground like no other on earth. Silver streams tumble down canyon, shady woodlands line the slopes and soaring sandstone monoliths define a skyline beloved by artists, movie-makers and vacationers alike. The possibilities really are endless.

Summer days are long and your clients will want every hour to sample the delights of Sedona. Lace up their hiking boots. Book their Tee time. Glide on the backstreets on a Segway. Hop on a bicycle. Uplift their energy in an outdoor yoga class. Pack the picnic basket. Jump in a 4x4 vehicle. Saddle a horse. Climb aboard a hot air balloon. And whatever they do, they cannot forget their swimming suits.

When they do finally decide to come inside, they'll find an amazing collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and spas. Summer and Sedona are calling! Let your clients know it's time to come out and play!     

Please let the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau assist you with information, itinerary ideas, and in obtaining rates and information from Sedona businesses.

So, what will your summer in Sedona be?  There is a Sedona is for everyone - Come find yours!

TripAdvisor announces that Sedona has ranked 13th in the "Top 25 Travelers Choice U.S. Destinations" 

"Sedona is a true oasis, a vacationer's paradise in the middle of the Arizona desert. Here, you'll find resorts and spas, canyons and red rock formations. Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are great hiking spots, and the dramatic architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a religious experience itself. When the sun dips down below the horizon it introduces the best show in Sedona: the night sky."  tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations   

"Top Best Small Cities for Art Lovers" 

While the Red Rocks of Sedona may be the most popular attraction, it's no surprise artists flock to the picturesque town of Sedona, with its famous southwestern natural beauty. Join the artistic community by participating in events hosted by the Sedona Artists Coalition, including artists' salons.  In October, Sedona hosts an annual Arts Festival that features works from local artists. While tickets are $10, all proceeds go towards funding art education in Sedona. Head into the banks of Oak Creek to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village to find fine art galleries and beautiful shops. You can often find the artists working on their craft right there in the store. travelnerd.com

June 1: Arizona State Sales Tax Reduced

As the 1% temporary state sales tax expired on May 31, 2013, the state tax also has gone down for Sedona since June 1.   

Listed below are the current taxes in the Sedona area.

Coconino County - Outside City Limits

total sales tax for retail sales - 6.725%

total sales tax for lodging - 6.737%

Coconino County - Within Sedona City Limits

total sales tax for retail sales - 9.725%

total sales tax for lodging - 12.737%

Yavapai County - Outside City Limits

total sales tax for retail sales - 6.350%

total sales tax for lodging - 6.325%

Yavapai County - Within Sedona City Limits

total sales tax for retail sales - 9.350%

total sales tax for lodging - 12.325%

Sedona Destination Event Planner in Development

New this year, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is producing a Sedona Destination Event Planner. This will be a primary piece for meeting, group, event, and wedding planners.

The circulation of the 2013-2014 Sedona Destination Event Planner will be 2,500 copies, which will be amplified through an online turn-page version easily accessed on our meetings website, MySedonaMeeting.com.

The guide will be available from August 1. Please contact us to request the 2013-2014 Sedona Destination Event Planner, or Experience Sedona Guide and other Sedona promotional materials at sado@sedonachamber.com.

IPW 2013 & AIBTM 2013

Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau attended IPW in Las Vegas, NV and AIBTM in Chicago, IL in June.   

Thank you for those who came to meet with us! We truly appreciate all of the business you bring to Sedona.

Amara Resort & Spa, A Kimpton Hotel

Amara Resort and Spa has become one of over 65 Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in the United States. Based in San Francisco, Kimpton Hotels is the first and leading collection of boutique style hotels throughout the U.S. Founded in 1981 by the enigmatic Bill Kimpton, this exceptional group of hotels provides true personal attention, thoughtful amenities, beautifully appointed accommodations and culinary experiences, while each telling their own story. A new chapter of Amara's story has started and they are looking forward to welcoming you and your guests.

The 100-room resort, which was built in 2004, completed a $2 million renovation last year, including the addition of a 26,000-gallon saltwater pool. Many of the property's rooms have views of Sedona's famous red rocks. Your sales contact with the resort is April Bates, Sales Manager, at (928) 340-8808 (Direct) / (928) 282-4828 (Resort) or April.Bates@amararesort.com.

Best Western PLUS Inn of Sedona

Make the Best Western PLUS Inn of Sedona home base for your group and allow the friendly staff to welcome your guests to Sedona. Amazing views of the red rocks from promenade terraces give the "WOW" that Sedona is known for! If you would like to see some great shots of this Sedona hotel just follow this secure link, Inn of Sedona Photos and feel free to share them with your group! Offering a full hot breakfast buffet, complimentary "About Town" Shuttle and on-site Concierge, this Sedona hotel is a value packed choice. The Inn of Sedona Slideshow will give you a feel for what they offer. There are several great restaurants within walking distance, bus parking on site and "VIP" goodies for attendees that will make them feel special and make you look good. Call Jennifer at (800) 292-6344, or email her Jennifer@InnofSedona.com and she'll help you plan a trip that your guests will never forget!

Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa

Enchantment Resort combines the rugged grandeur of the Southwest landscape with equal parts luxury and Native American culture.  The 70-acre resort, fresh from a $25 million renovation, takes advantage of the breathtaking scenery with one-story adobe-style accommodations furnished in a regional theme with private decks offering panoramic views of rock formations and pine forests.

To make the most of the spectacular setting, guests of the resort may enjoy over 100 weekly activities offered at no additional charge. Try mountain biking, tennis, stargazing, hiking, swimming, wine tasting, cooking demos, guest lectures, or Native American cultural activities. Discover pure and nourishing skin care, invigorating fitness classes and life-enhancing treatments at Mii amo and experience the magic of being nurtured and restored.

Enchantment Resort recently entered The Platinum Circle, signifying five consecutive years on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List, "the world's best places to stay." For additional information about the property and to inquire about FIT & small group pricing, please contact Victoria Strubbe, Leisure Sales Manager at (480) 264-3019 or Victoria@enchantmentgroup.com.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa has rolled out new competitive pricing for the 2014 tour season offering great weekday wholesale and group rates.  Let their resort assist you in creating a memorable holiday experience for your clients with an array of amenities that will pamper, relax, and rejuvenate them.  The Hilton Sedona Resort's comfortable accommodations offer gas fireplaces, balconies or patio, small refrigerators, and microwave ovens.   Guests enjoy our on-site championship golf course, tennis courts, three sparkling pools and 25,000 sq ft spa and fitness complex.   Visit their website at www.hiltonsedonaresort.com.   Please call the sales office at (928) 284-6905 to talk to a sales professional or email them at sdxse-salesadm@hilton.com.

Canyon Breeze Restaurant

Canyon Breeze Restaurant, the Gathering Place in Uptown Sedona, is the perfect place for groups coming to Sedona for a quick stop-over. Conveniently located in the middle of popular Uptown, Canyon Breeze offers the much needed break for your groups 'on the go'. Enjoy shopping, sightseeing and dining with a view! Canyon Breeze has large indoor and outdoor seating areas for groups up to 250 people. Find more information on the website www.canyon-breeze.com.

McLean Meditation Center

While exploring mystical Sedona, Arizona, give your clients an insider's look into meditation. Groups from 5 - 15 will enjoy the latest addition to Sedona's spiritual scene, the McLean Meditation Center in the heart of Sedona. Whether they are seeking peace of mind, health and wellness, or are simply curious about meditation, bring them by the meditation oasis where they can browse the beautiful art and books.  Let a meditation expert, Hay House Author and mainstream meditation teacher, Sarah McLean, show them how they can reduce stress and feel better fast with a simple, non-religious, meditation practice.

Classes last anywhere from 45 to 120 minutes, depending on your schedule. Prices vary based on size of group and time in class - at least 50% off of our published rates. Plenty of bus parking. Located at 411 State Route 179, Sedona, Arizona, adjacent to Tlaquepaque across the Oak Creek Bridge. (928) 204-0067. Visit www.McLeanMeditation.com to find out more.

A Day in the West

Looking for a real western style experience? A Day in the West is the oldest, continuous, family owned tour company in Sedona, since 1949. They offer mild to wild jeep tours, horseback rides and cowboy cook outs. Their jeep tour drivers dress in the traditional western style gear, guns and all! Guests will enjoy viewing the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, while listening to the drivers tell stories of the old west days.

A Day in the West merged with Red Rock Western Jeep to offer more jeep tour rides than any other tour company in Sedona. Come and ride the iron pony!   They offer Travel Agents and Tour Operators group rates, or commission. Contact: Jackie Hackley, Sales and Group Tours, A Day in the West, (928) 300-6635, or (928) 282-3131, www.adayinthewest.com, Jackie@adayinthewest.com.

CenterFocus Adventures

CenterFocus Adventures offers guided half and full day hikes for groups in both Sedona, and Grand Canyon National Park.  Their guided Sedona hikes will take you along Oak Creek, and through a beautiful vegetated shade covered trail where it is not uncommon to see wildlife in the desert.  They also will take you along airy ridgelines, to experience the grand vistas of Sedona.  Their Grand Canyon trips include transportation as well as a guided hike on the S. Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails, you simply cannot beat this wonder of the world when it comes to awe inspiring beauty!