What's New in Sedona, Arizona
Travel Trade eNews Fall 2015


Dear Industry Friends,
 
With terrain this spectacular it's no wonder that Sedona residents and visitors feel close to the land-connected in ways they don't experience elsewhere. The beauty of the region goes far beyond skin deep. It is a productive, bountiful land bursting with possibilities. It was the rich volcanic soil, year round water and abundant sunshine fueling long growing seasons that drew the very first pioneers.
 
Those early agricultural roots plunged deep and have endured throughout the decades. Sedona and the Verde Valley remains a thriving corridor of family-owned ranches and farms. Right now, crops are being harvested and fruit is being picked in orchards beneath crisp autumn skies. Vineyards are busy with their annual grape crush, a vibrant celebration of this fertile land.
 
The summer canopy of green in Oak Creek Canyon gives way to a vibrant display this time of year. The cottonwoods, sycamores, willows and oaks burst into hues of red and gold. Hike the trails beneath wreaths of neon and linger by the clear-running stream soon to be decorated by soft cascade of falling leaves. Enjoy a glass of local wine or the juicy crunch of a sweet just-picked apple while feeling the delicious autumn breeze.
 
Please let the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau assist you with information, itinerary ideas, and in obtaining rates and information from Sedona businesses.
 
We look forward to welcoming you and your clients to Sedona, the Most Beautiful Place on Earth, in so many ways!   

Sedona Updates
IMEX America  - Booth #708 
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau will be at IMEX America from October 13-15, 2015 at Booth #708 along with representatives from Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Pink Jeep Tours, and Verde Canyon Railroad.  Please request an appointment with us to learn what's new in Sedona and all it has to offer for your MICE clients. We are looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
 
Organization Name: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Booth Number: 708

ABA's Marketplace
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau will be at ABA's Marketplace in Louisville, KY in January 2016.  The appointment requests are now open.  Please login to your Passport and request an appointment with us at DMO Appointment Sessions on Sunday, January 10.  We are looking forward to seeing you in Louisville!

Sedona Visitor Stats 
The official Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau's Uptown Visitor Center at 331 Forest Rd. tracks our visitor walk-in information.  Among the 265,300 walk-in visitors, about 5% of the visitors signed our iPad guestbook in FY2015 (July 2014-June 2015).  73% of those who signed our guestbook were visitors from the U.S. and 27% were international visitors.  Our top six domestic and international visitor source markets are shown in the charts below.  Thank you for all you do to bring visitors to Sedona!  Please also encourage your guests to visit our Visitor Center to meet with our friendly staff and volunteers who offer insight into Sedona's depth and breadth of amenities to ensure their memorable visits. 

 

Sedona Lodging & Restaurants
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
The former Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa debuted its new name, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, following a multi-million dollar renovation and a full resort rebranding and repositioning completed in the spring of 2015.  Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock celebrates Sedona's landmark Bell Rock - one of the area's most iconic red rock formations. Included in the renovations was a complete upgrade to its 219 guest rooms, which include 171 one bedroom suites and 48 standard guest rooms. Guest rooms feature a new look designed to offer a haven and evoke a sense of belonging. Inspired by the energy of Sedona, they feature a modernized design with a color palette of cool neutrals with d�cor and furnishings that create a magical experience and encourage reflection.  

A new stargazing garden will play host to weekly stargazing adventures hosted by local astronomers and storytellers.  Each morning, the Adventure Concierge will also curate a menu of favorite activities and tours for the day based on the season, weather, and sunset/sunrise times - displayed prominently in the Living Room on rustic, oversized butcher paper.   The resort offers wholesale and group rates, please call 877.273.3762 or
[email protected] .
 
Sedona Mago Retreat
Sedona Mago Retreat is a 163-acre nonprofit spiritual retreat center where all are welcome to pursue their spiritual path, whatever their journey.  They can design a retreat for your group and you can choose from an array of classes and healing sessions which include Tao Yoga, sound healing, star gazing, vortex tours on our own property, and meditative photography walks.  They can also transport groups to uptown Sedona where guests can have additional healing or spa treatments or partake in retail therapy.   For groups of twenty or more, they offer 20% commission on all products. For two nights and three days, the average commission for a group of twenty is $1,245.00. Sedona Mago Retreat is an oasis of peace where people come to nurture and reconnect with their deeper life's purpose.
 
For more information, contact [email protected] 
 
Artist in Residence Program at L'Auberge de Sedona
L'Auberge de Sedona has partnered with Goldenstein Gallery on a new Artist in Residence program, which has many features and will allow guests to not only view beautiful, local art, but also interact with the artists while in the natural beauty of the resort along Oak Creek.  Each guest cottage, as well as throughout property, will have artwork personally selected by Goldenstein Gallery owner Linda Goldenstein, with the intention to bring the Sedona red rocks into Creekside cottages and the creek into Vista cottages.
 
Each week they will feature local and regional artists on property so guests are able to watch as they paint or sculpt works in progress.  The artists will interact with guests discussing their pieces and answer any questions.  Artist's Talks will give guests an opportunity to meet the artist, see their art and learn the inspiration and story behind the work. Guests will also have the opportunity to take private classes with respected and gifted teachers in a variety of modalities such as ceramic sculpting and wheel throwing, clay sculpting, photography or plein aire painting and more. These classes are fun for individuals or groups and can also facilitate family and team building as they create together. For details, please contact the resort at (928) 282-1661.
 
For L'Auberge de Sedona's Summer Renewal, please click here.

Mariposa Grille ~ the newest restaurant in Sedona
Mariposa Grille - Latin Inspired Grille is designed for the ultimate customer experience. The views from the patios and dining rooms could be the finest worldwide. If that wasn't enough - customers will enjoy browsing the restaurant and the grounds enjoying large scale art or star gazing in the dark Sedona night.
 
The cuisine is Latin Inspired, primarily from Chef Dahl's interactions with chef's in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Chef Lisa Dahl and her team focus on premium ingredients and many of the herbs are grown in the herb gardens in the restaurant courtyard. All meats and seafoods come from the very best sources - such as Allen Brothers and Beelers for the meats. For years Lisa has insisted on all organic vegetables from Arizona.
 
The restaurant is equipped with QSC speakers and particular attention has been paid to acoustics in the dining rooms and the bar. There isn't a bad seat in the restaurant.
   

Sedona Services
Scientific Vortex Information
Provide YOUR Group with THE BEST information about Sedona's Mystical Aspects. Have a Scientific Vortex Information Presentation by M.I.T. Honors Graduate, and 35+ year Sedona Resident, Pete A. Sanders Jr.
 
Covered are: the science that explains Sedona's Famous Meditation Sites, how to best tap them, which sites are best for what and how to find similar places in your client's home areas. Also included are specific techniques for lowering blood pressure and tapping the Soul's deeper dimensions that Mr. Sanders has taught at M.I.T and inside the Pentagon.  Scientific Vortex Tours are also available for groups of 10 or less per day. Discounts are available for Groups that can attend his EVERY Monday 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. presentation at the Los Abrigados Resort. Call (928)282-9425 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on any of the above options and/or how to purchase copies of his book and/or DVD. Also see  www.freesoul.net.
 
Sparkle
In their store in Uptown Sedona, Sparkle has a large array of crystal jewelry, locally handmade Arizona Turquoise jewelry, Fairies, Art and Gifts. They offer group rates and commissions up to 20% of the entire purchase. Their knowledgeable staff can take care of an international crowd - they have staff who can speak Japanese, Italian, and German.
 
They are located in Sinagua Plaza, Uptown Sedona, and can be reached at [email protected]  or (928) 202 0818.
 
Paint~N~Play
Paint~N~Play is not a paint by numbers class.  They teach creativity not technique.  The journey is more important than the outcome.  Your guests will play the process begin with a meditation. Clearing the mind of any thought, concept, idea or belief of how a painting should look or how it should be painted. In a supportive environment created to breakthrough limitations, your guests play with paint, color, sponges, brushes, and water to see what wants to come through onto the canvas.  Never try to make a painting. Once they see how your guests paint and where their blocks are, individual support is given to bring out their inner creator.  Your guests will not only leave with a work of art worthy of framing, they will also have the skill to continue the creative process at home.  Great team-building event for your groups!  Other classes available are Prayer Painting, Healing HeArt, and Painting with Spirit. Please call 818-400-7819 for details. 


Sedona Events
Sedona Wine Fest: September 26-27, 2015
Red Rock Oktoberfest: October 3, 2015  
Sedona Arts Festival: October 10-11, 2015
Plein Air Festival: October 17-24, 2015
29th Annual Safe & Fun Trick & Treat: October 31, 2015 
Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa Visit: December 4, 2015
Festival of Trees: November - December 3-5, 2015  
41st Annual Festival of Lights: December 12, 2015
Holiday Central Sedona: December 1-31, 2015
Sedona World Wisdom Days: January 14-18, 2016  
11th Annual Sedona Marathon Event: February 6, 2016
Sedona International Film Festival: February 20-28, 2016
Sedona Yoga Festival: March 10-15, 2016
46th Annual Sedona St. Patrick's Parade & Festival: March 12, 2016
Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: April 21-24, 2016
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tlaquepaque: May 7, 2016
Sedona Photo Fest: May 2016
ILLUMINATE Film Festival: June 1-5, 2016   
July 4th Laser Light Show: July 4, 2016
12th Annual National Day of the Cowboy Celebration: July 23-25, 2016
Sedona Hummingbird Festival: August 2016
Red Rocks Music Festival: September 2016     
44th Fiesta Del Tlaquepaque: September 2016    
 

Sachiko Sado | Director of Tourism Development | [email protected]
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau | http://www.VisitSedona.com 
45 Sunset Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336