As part of the award-winning Sustainable Tourism Plan, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau (SCC&TB) is launching the “Sedona Cares Pledge” - nine commitments that help visitors keep Sedona the Most Beautiful Place on Earth.
“Travelers are growing more aware of their environmental impact on sensitive landscapes such as Sedona,” said SCC&TB President/CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff. “They want to minimize their effect, and the Pledge is one way we are responding.”
Visitors can sign the Pledge at SedonaCares.com before or after arriving. Wesselhoff hopes the Pledge will instill a commitment that stays with visitors even after they leave. “People want to be responsible guests,” she said. “The Pledge helps them succeed and we hope it guides their actions in the future, in Sedona or anywhere in the world.”
The nine components reflect input from Sedona residents during the 2-year development of the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan.
Sedona Cares Pledge
- The rocks are red, and the silence is golden. I vow to respect the natural quiet of Sedona's open spaces and neighborhoods.
- I will be mindful of Sedona's arid environment by minimizing my water and energy use, and I will be extremely careful with fire.
- I’ll make my own memories, but not my own trails.
- I won't risk life or limb (human or sapling) for more likes. I won't get killed for a killer photo.
- When playing outside, I'll be ready for rapid changes in weather and random episodes of magic.
- I’ll leave no trace and pack out all my trash - that includes TP and pup poo!
- I will discover art in Sedona's galleries rather than making my own. Carving on trees or rocks, stacking stones, or defacing the environment diminishes nature's art.
- If I can't find a parking spot, I will not invent my own. I will go with the traffic flow, using my turn signal often and my car horn seldom.
- I’ll be caring and considerate wherever I go because that's the Sedona way.
The Sustainable Tourism Plan was adopted this year as a set of solutions addressing tourism challenges Sedona shares with destinations around the world, such as increased traffic, Wesselhoff said.
“Sedona is not immune to the pressure of growing global tourism,” she added. “The difference is we have a comprehensive, community-backed, City Council-approved plan to balance our economy, our quality of life, our environment and our visitor experience.”
“The Sustainable Tourism Plan also acknowledges today’s traveler, who is seeking an authentic experience or sense of temporary localhood we call ‘the end of tourism as we know it,’” Wesselhoff said. “We are excited to offer concepts such as the Pledge and voluntourism that enable travelers to connect with Sedona and contribute to our sustainability.”
Since it was adopted by the Sedona City Council, the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan has received the Governor’s Award at the annual Arizona Conference on Tourism and the Environmental Excellence Award from Arizona Forward, the state’s oldest and most respected sustainable growth advocacy organization.
According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, Sedona’s Sustainable Tourism Plan is triggering similar efforts in tourist destinations around the state.
Studies show Sedona’s three million annual visitors have a $1 billion economic impact, making tourism the city’s largest industry.
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