Tusayan, Arizona (AZFamily) — For most travelers, Canyon National Park is a dream destination, known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes, adventure opportunities, and cultural significance. Every year, millions of people journey to Northern Arizona to witness its natural beauty. For the small town of Tusayan, just outside the park’s South Rim entrance, this flow of visitors is not only a source of pride but also the foundation of its economy.
This summer, however, Tusayan has faced one of its slowest seasons in years. Local businesses, park officials, and community members are increasingly concerned as fewer tourists arrive during what should have been peak travel months.
A Quiet Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day traditionally marks the final surge of summer travel across the United States. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 17 million people were expected to travel this year during the holiday weekend. Normally, Tusayan would see long lines of cars stretching all the way to the entrance of Canyon National Park, with tourists eager to explore the world-famous destination.
Instead, locals reported that the streets were unusually empty. For a town where the economy is almost entirely dependent on visitors, this quiet weekend was a worrying sign.
Tusayan’s Economy Relies on Canyon National Park
With just over 500 residents, Tusayan is not a large community. But its role is vital. Positioned at the gateway to Canyon National Park, the town thrives on hospitality and travel services — from hotels and restaurants to souvenir shops and guided tours.
One such visitor, Ferdenan Mayr from Germany, stopped in Tusayan with his family for lunch before heading into the park. He expressed excitement about the trip:
“We are here visiting the country, meeting people, enjoying the food,” Mayr said. “In Germany, things are small, but here everything feels bigger and unique.”
Stories like Mayr’s highlight Tusayan’s international appeal. Yet, this year, fewer global travelers are arriving, creating serious challenges for the businesses that depend on them.
Why Tourism Is Down in 2025
The World Travel and Tourism Council identified two major factors behind this year’s downturn:
- The Dragon Bravo Fire — A wildfire earlier in the summer discouraged visitors, disrupted travel plans, and reduced accessibility around the region.
- Decline in International Travel — Even after pandemic restrictions eased, global travel recovery has been uneven. Many international tourists have delayed U.S. trips, directly impacting small gateway towns like Tusayan.
These issues have combined to create financial stress in a community almost entirely tied to Canyon National Park visitors.
Business Owners Feel the Pinch
At the well-known Big E Steakhouse, manager Bernie Manalo explained how difficult the summer has been. Memorial Day through Labor Day is typically their busiest stretch, but this year, tables remained emptier than usual.
“Today you can see very few cars, so it’s not good for us,” Manalo said. “We only generate revenue through visitors. If tourism slows down, our survival is threatened.”
The restaurant’s revenue has already fallen by 6% compared to last year, and the upcoming winter season looks even less promising. Manalo shared that they are preparing for difficult decisions, including cutting labor hours and reducing operating costs to stay afloat.
Canyon National Park’s Economic Power
The impact of fewer visitors goes far beyond Tusayan’s borders. According to park officials, Canyon National Park supports approximately 10,000 jobs in nearby communities and contributes nearly $1 billion annually to the regional economy.
Every tourist dollar spent in the area multiplies into wages for employees, revenue for suppliers, and growth for other local businesses. When fewer people travel to the park, the entire region feels the loss.
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Local Tourism Could Be the Lifeline
Despite the challenges, some in Tusayan believe that Arizona residents themselves could play a crucial role in sustaining the town’s economy during this downturn. By promoting weekend trips and encouraging state residents to explore Canyon National Park, businesses hope to offset the decline in international visitors.
Manalo stressed that while global tourism is important, even small increases in local visitors could make a meaningful difference during the slower months.
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The Road Ahead for Tusayan
The current slowdown highlights a deeper reality: towns like Tusayan are highly vulnerable when visitor numbers decline. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped travel trends, and new challenges like wildfires have added uncertainty to the mix.
For now, Tusayan’s future is closely tied to the recovery of tourism around Canyon National Park. Business owners are adjusting strategies, cutting expenses, and waiting for travel patterns to stabilize. Still, the town remains hopeful that domestic and international visitors will return in greater numbers next year.
As one of America’s greatest natural wonders, Canyon National Park continues to inspire millions. The question now is whether the communities that depend on its tourism can weather the storm of slow seasons and emerge stronger in the years ahead.
