The year 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Jeep tour operators in the United States. Sedona, Arizona-based Pink Jeep Tours is known for its iconic namesake vehicles and tops many lists of “must do” activities in both Sedonaand Las Vegas.
Pink Jeep Tours started when Sedona businessman Don Pratt took potential clients in his Jeep to see backcountry real estate. After a trip to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, where buildings, vehicles, and uniforms were all pink, Pratt was inspired to borrow the memorable color scheme. Years later, his idea is at the heart of a multi-million dollar slice of the tourism industry.
Pink Jeep’s fleet of 85 vehicles takes visitors on tours based on Native American history and culture, nature, and geology, as well as trips that take in panoramic vistas and the lights of Sin City. Shawn Wendell purchased the company from Pratt in 1988, and added a Las Vegas location in 2001. He credits his employees and the company’s dedication to conservation and preservation as keys to its longevity. Pink Jeeps Tours has earned the Keep Sedona Beautiful Award of Excellence, and the Governor’s Tourism Award on Arizona Preservation.
The company is celebrating its milestone with special offers on Twitter and Facebook throughout the year.