Sedona, Arizona — We agree to the new city DMMO (destination Management & Marketing Organization) plans to encourage a targeted audience of high-end travelers spending a few nights in Sedona. But first, let's look at the numbers, or the “facts.”

The Sedona Lodging Council is surveying many hotels and resorts in Sedona to determine where guests are coming from. So far, at least 50 to 60 percent of guests are driving in from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada, according to hotel research. About 40% of those come from Maricopa County.

Phoenix alone has some of the wealthiest cities in America. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Litchfield, Park, Queen Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Carefree, and Goodyear to name a few. Southern California has even more.

all Of these locations, Sedona is within a 2-8 hour drive.

East Coast travelers are welcome and essential to the local market, but travelers who travel by plane or rental car may be less frequent than those from driving markets such as Phoenix or California. will be lower.

Frequency of visits is an important factor. When a visitor stays at a Sedona hotel, they are subject to that hotel's regular marketing and are more likely to visit more often than if they fly. visitor.

The city talks about “targeted marketing.” Think of it like a bull's-eye, with the center as the target. That's where marketing is most effective. As the concentric circles move away from the center, the return on marketing investment decreases significantly. Whether we like to admit it or not, Maricopa County is the epicenter of '.bullseye” To Sedona.

Common sense says, “Fish where the fish are.'' Phoenix and Southern California are the most accessible locations that draw tourists to visit Sedona year after year or year after year.

Taking the two-hour drive from Phoenix for a two- or three-night stay is an easy decision and the most “green” way to travel.

It's important to maintain a balanced approach. Although targeting neighboring markets is a valuable strategy, Sedona can attract tourists from other regions and minimize the environmental impact of tourism, such as by using environmentally friendly transportation and responsible tourism practices. You can benefit by promoting sustainable practices that reduce

Strategically marketing Sedona as an accessible and attractive destination for Maricopa County and Southern California residents can potentially support tourism needs that support the tourism economy in a manner consistent with sustainability principles. There is a possibility.