The economic ripple effect of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has made its way across the country, with the Sedona area being no exception.
As the number of confirmed cases and deaths rise nationwide, Sedona Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff said no businesses are immune from the ripple effect of the crisis.
“I’m hearing that every single business sector is somehow touched by this pandemic,” she said on Wednes-day, March 18. “Tourism and hospitality is extremely impacted. Tours and attractions, retail, grocery — they are all being significantly impacted.”
Steve Segner, owner of El Portal Sedona Hotel and president of the Sedona Lodging Council, said he feels the next two months will be rough for many.
“Some of the corporate resorts are closing but many of the independent ones are staying open for now,” he said, adding that he is still receiving reservations. “It looks like in Sedona we’re going to see a 70% to 75% drop. If people can get 20% occupancy in April, they’ll be doing good. We’re thinking May is probably going to be just as bad.”
The Lodging Council is bringing in an attorney on Saturday, March 21, to discuss what options hotels and resorts may have in terms of getting federal funding and support.
“This is huge,” Segner said. “It’s going to be very difficult for many. We’re already hearing about employees being laid off. I feel bad for them. We have to face reality and that means putting on our big boy pants and look at our budgets. Look at how you can help your employees. But cash is king. Make sure you [hoteliers] pay your rent or mortgages any way you can. Sadly, this is part of being in business.”
He went on to add, “It’s important that we don’t make the visitors to Sedona the bad guy. It’s nobody’s fault that this has happened. We all have to work together. Some businesses may not make it through this time but I’m hoping most will.”
Wesselhoff said the chamber has a business bulletin that it is sending out regularly with information on how to access federal funds, loans and resources as well as webinars, tips, trends and forecasts.
“We are gathering economic impact data and information on closures, cancellations and a list of local retailers who sell online and restaurants who will be offering delivery and takeout,” she said.
This information is available on SedonaChamber.com.
Enchantment Resort
Enchantment Resort announced on Wednesday, March 18 that it will be closing its doors on Sunday, March 22, and will reopen April 15. In a letter to customers and others from Managing Director Stan Kantowski and Tracy Tang Limpe, who represents the owners of the resort, they expressed how difficult of a decision this was to make.
“While this decision goes against all of our natural instincts — to bring people together and share our passion for everything our resort has to offer — we feel that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to stem the spread of the virus and ensure the health and wellbeing of our team members and guests.
“We sincerely apologize to our guests currently in residence and those who were looking forward to arriving in the coming weeks. While the resorts are temporarily closed, we plan to support our homeowners and residents by having a limited amount of essential, on-site staff.”
Pink Jeep Tours
Pink Jeep Tours announced that it, too, was ceasing operations effective on Friday, March 20.
“After careful thought and deliberation of our duty in the face of COVID-19 and for the best interest of our guests, employees and communities, Pink Adventure Tours and Pink Jeep Tours have suspended operations in Las Vegas, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Tusayan, and The Smoky Mountains,” its website states. “We will continue to watch the conditions within our region, consult with our medical experts and follow Center for Disease Control guidelines.”
It concluded by stating, “We wish you and your family continued health during this difficult time and look forward to welcoming guests back for a tour soon.”
While some businesses have already closed their doors, many others in and around Sedona still have the lights on and the welcome mat out. For a list of those that are opened, as of press time, please see today’s edition of The Scene, page 5.
