Spiritual Tourism Struggling in Sedona

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  10.22.10 | 12:39 PM ET

The New York Times’ Mark Lacey reports from Sedona—“Arizona’s New Age mecca,” as World Hum contributor Laurie Gough calls it—where visitors numbers are way down. Here’s Lacey:

Nobody is sure exactly what is keeping people away from Sedona’s four vortexes, swirling energy sources emanating from the earth, but the effects are clear: far fewer crystals are being bought, spiritual tours taken and treatments ordered, from aura cleansings to chakra balancings.

That an earthly power—the economy—is a culprit is not in doubt. But some do not discount the effects of an awful incident from a year ago that put Sedona’s New Age community in a bad light and that, to some degree, still lingers, despite efforts by metaphysical people to cast it away.

The rest of the story delves into the impact of that incident last year, when three tourists died in a sweat lodge ceremony. It’s a chilling read.

Tags: Spiritual Travel, Tourism, North America, United States, Arizona, News and Briefs

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


3 Comments for Spiritual Tourism Struggling in Sedona

Grizzly Bear Mom 10.25.10 | 10:05 AM ET

Although I am saddened that people died, I wonder about the spirituality of lawsuits and counter lawsuits.  The plantiff’s actions don’t appear to match their convictions.

Erin Lindsay 10.28.10 | 8:14 PM ET

I was just hiking in Sedona this past weekend. I noticed quite a few hikers. I know tourism has slowed down there quite a bit, but it has slowed down everywhere. Unfortunately, people can’t seem to afford the expensive spas and spiritual tours.

Sedona is my favorite place!

John 11.26.10 | 4:45 AM ET

Will go hiking in Sedona, Arizona. I’m sure once you experienced it, you’ll surely love it.

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