In gearing up for the official rebranding of the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort as the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center next Wednesday, October 1, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has moved their Fort McDowell Adventures operations management under the Resort. This decision was made to provide hotel guests, area visitors and local residents with an even easier way to enjoy an incomparable, rip roarin’ Wild West experience, surrounded by majestic mountains and the scenic Verde River.
“By streamlining operations in this manner, we’re able to provide each of our guests with more personal attention when booking our sensational destinations,” said Ruben Balderas, President of the Fort McDowell Tribal Council. “This was a logical management change. Moreover, through substantive cost and time efficiencies, we can keep pricing lowered while providing an excellent value to our customers – a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”
A popular destination for decades, Fort McDowell Adventures (www.fortmcdowelladventures.com) offers one-of-a-kind experiences in a tranquil and spectacular desert setting that include Horseback Trail Rides, Desert Jeep Tours, Verde River Kayaking, Segway Tours, Desert Belle Riverboat Cruises, First Friday Night Franks and the Yavapai Experience Cultural Tour. Groups of 10 or more can also enjoy two-hour City Slicker Cattle Drives.
Guests can now seamlessly combine business and pleasure by having access to the 25,000 square feet of meeting space at the Wassaja Conference Center at the resort and the vast selection of activities at nearby Fort McDowell Adventures.
“Having the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center manage day-to-day operations of Fort McDowell Adventures was a strategic business decision that benefits all parties involved,” explained Phil Dorchester, General Manager of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. “By keeping everything under the same umbrella, individuals and groups now have one central point of contact to make all their necessary arrangements. It’s a much more efficient way of providing an exceptional guest service experience.”
“Meeting planners are always looking for fun, Southwest-inspired activities that their attendees can enjoy after a long day of meetings or attending a conference,” added Craig Benell, Acting General Manager of the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, a AAA Four Diamond Award recipient for the past eight years. “Planning after-hours functions and team-building events is now easier than ever, since they can be booked at the same time as a company’s meeting space, catering menus and audiovisual needs.”
As a result of this central management, local residents or hotel guests planning weddings, birthdays, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties or other special events may receive preferred pricing – enabling them to combine a night or two at the resort with a once-in-a-lifetime Wild West experience. Those interested in making reservations or receiving additional information are encouraged to contact Julie Solliday at (480)789-5534.
In addition to the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center and Fort McDowell Adventures, destination enterprises owned and operated by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation include We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Casino, Eagle View RV Resort, and Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona.
