Radisson Fort McDowell Resort To Rebrand As We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center

-- New Identity as Independent Golf Resort Will Reflect Native American Heritage, AAA Four Diamond Distinction, and Affiliation with Award-Winning Golf Club

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation announces its re-launch of the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort as the new We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center (www.wekoparesort.com) effective September 30, 2014.

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Incorporating the We-Ko-Pa name, meaning "Four Peaks" in Yavapai, not only complements the spectacular mountain scenery and free-flowing Verde River surrounding the resort, it strengthens its synergistic relationship with the nearby award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. It also pays tribute to the Tribe's rich and diverse Yavapai heritage, while enabling the Fort McDowell Nation to manage one of its most prestigious enterprises and provide employment opportunities to Tribal members and to those living in neighboring areas.

"We-Ko-Pa resonates deeply within our community as these peaks have been spiritually a part of us since time immemorial. In fact, they are a prime feature in our Tribal seal," said Ruben Balderas, President of the Fort McDowell Tribal Council. "Moreover, by developing business enterprises that are grounded in Yavapai tradition and culture, we foster the good health, well-being and happiness of our Nation's People that, in turn, improves our business practices and success."

"As an AAA Four Diamond Award recipient for eight years, we've always taken pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience," said Craig Benell, Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Acting General Manager. "We chose to become an independent golf resort because it gives us more flexibility to fulfill and respond to our guests' needs, as well as to implement new programs, promotions and resort enhancements to make our visitors' stays even more enjoyable."

Honored as one of the best golf facilities in the country by Golfweek and others, and featuring two award-winning 18-hole courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Saguaro) and Scott Miller (Cholla), We-Ko-Pa Golf Club also sees benefits in being more closely aligned with the resort.

"We're excited about the rebranding and independence of the resort," said We-Ko-Pa Golf Club General Manager Matt Barr. "Resort guests will have easier access to our two golf courses, as well as the ability to save through a number of soon-to-be announced stay-and-play packages."

Conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport, the new We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center (www.wekoparesort.com) features 246 contemporary guestrooms and suites designed with Native American traditions, bold Southwestern cuisine at Ahnala Restaurant, luxurious spa treatments and salon services at the Amethyst Spa, and a spacious heated outdoor pool with two whirlpools. The resort's proximity to the award-winning courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, gaming and entertainment at Fort McDowell Casino, and the numerous outdoor activities at Fort McDowell Adventures make it the ideal destination for a vacation, business function or special event.

Destination enterprises owned and operated by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation also include Fort McDowell Casino, Fort McDowell Adventures, Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, and Eagle View RV Resort.