On the fringes: When the City of Sedona’s tourism policy failed the urban outskirts

Arizona’s great outdoors is a draw for people escaping COVID lockdown. While the state’s cities and tourist towns reap the economic rewards, some places only see the downside as the masses pass through. How can tourism policy-makers account for the potential negative effects of inbound travel on those just outside a destination?

It’s a “Good Tourism” Insight by Tanner C Knorr of “GT” partners Second Look Worldwide and Off Season Adventures.

Sedona, Arizona has long been a popular destination. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, its stunning scenery and outdoor activities make it a tourist haven as indoor activities remain a challenge. This has resulted in a 24% increase in visitation over the last year and a half. While this unexpected increase may have had positive economic effects for the City of Sedona, it is not without its challenges for those at its fringes.

Even before COVID-19, the State of Arizona experienced tremendous population growth; at a rate that far surpassed that of the United States as a whole. With world-class attractions like the Grand Canyon plus increasing interstate and intrastate tourism demand, Sedona and its Highway 89A have become high-traffic areas. This has caused tensions between tourists and residents.

For the full "GT" Insight, please visit https://goodtourismblog.com/2021/05/on-the-fringes-when-the-city-of-sedonas-tourism-policy-failed-the-urban-outskirts/