The Sedona Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) convened on February 5, 2025, to discuss the vital role of tourism in the community and the development of a new campaign aimed at highlighting its benefits. A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming "brought to you by tourism" initiative, which seeks to underscore how tourism contributes to local amenities, quality of life, and overall community value.

Board members emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data to support this campaign, particularly regarding visitor contributions to sales and bed taxes. The TAB is looking to analyze the economic impact of tourism more precisely, moving beyond rough estimates to a clearer understanding of how tourism supports local businesses year-round. This is particularly significant for Sedona, where many businesses remain open during the off-season, unlike other tourism-dependent communities.

The meeting also touched on the need for a comprehensive communications plan that will not only promote the tourism campaign but also provide transparency about its progress. A proposed "transparency hub" on the city’s website aims to keep residents informed about the tourism plan's implementation and its impact on the local economy. This hub will feature interactive data and updates, allowing residents to track how resources are allocated and the outcomes of various initiatives.

In addition to these discussions, board members expressed a desire to explore qualitative aspects of tourism, such as the community's aesthetic opportunities and the unique dining experiences that attract visitors. The TAB plans to continue refining its strategies and will reconvene to discuss the findings from an upcoming report that will provide deeper insights into the economic contributions of tourism in Sedona.

As the board moves forward, it remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment between residents and businesses, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are recognized and shared throughout the community. The next steps will involve finalizing the data collection and launching the communications plan, which aims to enhance community engagement and support for Sedona's tourism initiatives.