The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) briefed Sedona City Council on Thursday about its first two years overseeing the city's new tourism program and asked for guidance on board composition, public outreach and next steps.

TAB members said milestones include adoption of the Sedona Tourism Plan 2024–25, development of the Sedona Stay Inspired brand and input on multiple destination-marketing campaigns. The board also led a multi‑meeting visitor‑services review and provided feedback on the city’s winter and summer campaigns and on the rollout of digital kiosks for visitor information.

TAB chair John Fitzgibbons and vice chair Althea Johnson told council the board is now focused on moving from foundational work into a phase that emphasizes residents’ quality‑of‑life concerns and the “experience” of Sedona for both visitors and residents. The board reported 17 meetings since formation and said six seats are currently vacant or in transition; three incumbents have reapplied.

Members and councilors discussed the board’s composition and said the council should consider more representation from residents without direct tourism-industry employment and from food-service establishments. “If we want balance, we should have more ‘at‑large’ resident seats,” Councilor Derek Furman said. Several TAB members agreed, noting that many nominees wear multiple hats (business owner and resident) and that a strong resident voice is already present in the current membership.

TAB members also described near-term projects: deploying two informational kiosks (one near the visitor center, one at Tlaquepaque), refining campaign content, and coordinating with transportation and parks staff on visitor messaging and wayfinding. Tourism staff said the kiosks’ wrap design and content wireframes are complete; electrical and installation timing could begin as early as January if contractors are available.

Council discussion focused on whether TAB should broaden beyond destination marketing to advise other departments about “product” issues — shade on shared‑use paths, transit shelters, and other street‑furniture or placemaking projects that affect both visitors and residents. Several councilors encouraged TAB to hold listening sessions around the city (library, Tilakapaki, West Sedona) and to bring summarized community feedback back to council during budget and work‑plan seasons.

Ending
Council asked TAB and staff to return with an updated work plan at the board’s December meeting, including suggestions for increasing resident representation, outreach plans for town‑hall listening sessions, and ideas for how TAB advice might align with other departments’ capital projects.