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)
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.”
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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.
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