Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful places in the world with stunning Red Rock formations, a mild climate, clean air, and small town charm. A top-rated travel destination, Sedona sees an average of three million visitors per year—and while tourism has many positive contributions, including economic impact and area jobs, there are also negative side effects such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and environmental impacts.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has announced a revolutionary change in how tourism is managed in one of America’s premier travel destinations. The Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan is the result of 18 months of planning by thousands of residents, community groups, and visitors, and features four pillars that focus on balancing and enhancing residential quality of life, protecting our fragile lands, creating memorable visitor experiences, and growing a strong economy. It calls for:

•    Spreading visitation more evenly through the year to reduce crowds, traffic and environmental impacts during peak seasons of spring and fall

•    Investing in infrastructure improvements and public transit to reduce congestion

•    Sensitizing visitors to the delicate Sedona environment and small-town quality of life

•    Encouraging sustainable experiences for tourists, such as carbon footprint reduction and 'voluntourism' environmental maintenance and cleanup projects

•    Developing new visitor experiences that emphasize sustainability as a Sedona value

•    Deepening engagement with residents to improve understanding of tourism benefits and impacts

•    Using technology to reduce traffic and congestion, such as apps that deliver live parking information and Sedona Secret 7—a website that promotes lesser-visited sites. 

Other initiatives will lessen light and noise pollution; increase recycling, water and energy conservation; and improve sustainable business practices at Sedona's hotels and hospitality businesses.

"Our stunning landscape and amazing cultural amenities inspire people everywhere, including artists, hikers, and those seeking renewal," says Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff. "Falling in love with Sedona is easy. The community wants to be sure we aren't loved to death. It is all about balance. By applying sustainability principles to our economy, our quality of life, and our visitor experience, we keep tourism strong while assuring Sedona will always be 'The Most Beautiful Place on Earth.'”

For more information, visit sedonasustainable.com and follow @visitsedona on Instagram.

[Images courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk