ARIZONA NEWS

Grand Canyon expects drop in economic output due to virus outbreak

Jun 15, 2020, 4:35 AM | Updated: 7:44 pm

(Getty Images/Sean Gallup)...

(Getty Images/Sean Gallup)

(Getty Images/Sean Gallup)

PHOENIX — National parks – including Grand Canyon National Park – reported a record $41.7-billion economic output in 2019, attracting 327 million visitors in total.

The Grand Canyon’s 6 million visitors generated $1.1-billion in output — but that was before the coronavirus outbreak.

“We did close for a little over two months, and so there will definitely be an impact when the reports come out for next year,” Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman Lily Daniels told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“On the South Rim, we are keeping our Desert View area and the watch tower, as well as the east entrance closed in consideration of the Navajo Nation.”

The visitor centers are also closed but other parts of the park have repopened.

“We are, like everyone else, recommending social distancing still,” Daniels said. “When you’re coming through, you’re going to be paying electronically at a fee station.”

Daniels adds that many park workers are still working from home.

Those interested in visiting the Grand Canyon can find the park’s restrictions and coronavirus protocols online.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a vice presidential debat...

David Veenstra

JD Vance attacks Kamala Harris for border, economic inaction at rally in Scottsdale

JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, appeared at a rally in Arizona on Saturday afternoon, three days before Election Day.

7 minutes ago

Town of Gilbert water tower lit up at night...

Payne Moses

Study found no Arizona cities ranked among top 25 safest in America

No major Arizona city cracked the top 25 in a recent study on the safest places to live in the United States.

3 hours ago

A rendering of the future Sky Harbor Logistics building....

Roxanne De La Rosa

Real estate giant to demolish Tempe office, double land use with industrial campus

Private real estate developer Lincoln Property Co. acquired a more than 16-acre Tempe industrial property that sits minutes away from the Sky Harbor International Airport, according to a press release.

5 hours ago

Microtransit service in Phoenix gets $12.9M grant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix gets $12.9M federal grant to launch on-demand microtransit service

A microtransit service in Phoenix designed to cut down on congestion within specific city zones is set to launch thanks to an influx of federal funds.

8 hours ago

An undated photo of the sun setting over Tempe Town Lake....

Roxanne De La Rosa

Tempe Town Lake to mark 25 years of history on Sunday

This weekend Tempe Town Lake celebrates 25 years of history with a free family-friendly festival that includes music and activities for everyone.

10 hours ago

[gallery id="5621194"]...

Aaron Schmidt

Humble Bistro owners open new seafood concept in Phoenix

The owners of Humble Bistro have opened a new seafood concept, Humble Oysters & Bubbles, in Phoenix.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

Here’s how to save money on retirement planning

PHOENIX -- With inflation still going on, people planning on retiring still face many issues on when they can retire and how much money they need to achieve it.

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Grand Canyon expects drop in economic output due to virus outbreak