Understanding Tourism Programs the basics

When we talk in tourism language, and government language the definitions need to be apples to apples. These definitions need to be clear to ensure that the benchmark, accountability, legal aspects or method of tracking is correctly and properly aligned.

Understanding the details helps us learn, grow and unite.

When People understand the Purpose then the Process is clearer and this drives world class Performance.

Every state has different programs regulations and programs. In Sedona the Sedona Chamber of Commerce has been managing the City of Sedona Tourism program under the direction of City Council.

Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

Historical documents show us the Sedona Chamber was incorporated in 1960 as a Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce, a “Business Association” of members. The Sedona Chamber answers to a Chamber Board of Directors. The members elect the board by a vote of the membership.

When you follow the dots and make the connections the Sedona chamber’s “Tourism Bureau” didn’t appear isn’t a government. It is a Trade name “Tourism Bureau” used by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Here’s why:

According to the Sedona Chamber Tax returns they incorporated in 1960 as a business association of members.

Arizona corporation records show the Sedona Chamber incorporated as Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Arizona Corporation Commission. The Sedona Chamber filed for trade name Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau December 2,2014.

Tourism Authority

Sedona has no County Transient Bed District (TBID), a Business Improvement District (BID) or County Authority for Tourism.

Base under the current state laws Sedona Area Communities don’t qualify to become one.
A.R.S. § 5-802 Formation of authority.

In order for Sedona to become an Authority. The first requirement would be the county population of more than two million persons. After that the voters would have to agree and vote it in.

Maricopa County has an Authority.
Maricopa County has Proposition 302 that created an Authority, in 1999 Maricopa voters approved the Proposition 302 initiative, which includes funding to promote tourism in Maricopa County.  Below is a research Tracker that contains hyperlinks to sources.

Hospitality businesses inside the City of Sedona are generally imposed a City sales and or Bed Tax. Many of these city-tax imposed businesses are in tourism. What type of businesses that are imposed mandated city taxes. For example Hotels, restaurants and retail have such taxes while Real Estate, Tour companies that don’t rent equipment do not. Since the Chamber is receiving these taxes how does the current program align with Chamber members. How many of the chambers members pay to play?

Many Chamber members are NOT in Tourism or are they in-city. They do contribute to the imposed city tax system.

Stay tune for part 2