TOURISM

AN ECONOMICALLY

IMPORTANT INDUSTRY

GRAND

CANYON

I N

T H E

A GEOLOGICAL WONDER

The Grand Canyon has been called one of the natural wonders of the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe.

This gigantic gouge in the Earth’s surface has been shaped by water, wind, ice, and tectonic activity over the course of millions of years.

The brilliant orange, pink, red, and yellow layers of the canyon are a result of mineral deposits laid down over eons.

The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide in some places, and a mile deep (over 5,000 feet). This canyon is so large, in fact, it can be seen from space.

Grand Canyon National Park had 4.3 million visitors in 2011, according to the National Park Service.

Visitors spent more than $467,000,000 (nearly a half a billion dollars) and supported nearly 7,400 jobs in Arizona in 2011.

Visitors benefit the economy both through the direct purchase of products and services like hotel rooms, meals, and gas within the park, and indirectly through purchases in the surrounding areas.

VISITOR STATISTICS

Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park come from every region of the planet and help fuel the local and regional economy by spending money on:

• Hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts

• Camping and admission/recreation fees

• Meals at restaurants and bars

• Groceries, take-out food and drinks

• Gas and oil

• Souvenirs

• Recreation, including whitewater rafting, bus tours, guided hiking tours, helicopter tours, etc.

JOBS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The Grand Canyon area is home to many Native American peoples, including the Havasupai (after which the waterfall is named), Hopi, Navajo, and Paiute tribes.

Some Native American communities also benefit economically from tourism to the region.

The Hualapai people, for example, opened the now famous Skywalk, a clear circular platform that extends 70 feet out above the west rim of the canyon and attracts over 350,000 every year.

NATIVE AMERICAN

HISTORY

ACTIVITIES IN THE GRAND CANYON Grand Canyon National Park allows for a variety of activities, ranging from leisurely to daring.

Brave Class 3, 4, or even Class 5 rapids rafting the Colorado River, catch a birds-eye view of the spectacular canyon on a helicopter tour, or go on one of the many hikes in the canyon, ranging from easy to strenuous.

For visitors from the Las Vegas area, visiting the Skywalk is an excellent option.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS & PROTECTIONS

Grand Canyon National Park has been designated a Category II protected area.

This means that there are measures in place to protect functioning ecosystems while still allowing a certain amount of human visitation and development.

The national park designation promotes the use of an area for educational and recreational purposes, but it does not reduce the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Its designation as a national park means that millions of visitors can experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon every year.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

The Grand Canyon is a must-see destination that should be on everyone’s “bucket list.”

Scenic Airlines & Coaches offers a number of ways to see this spectacular wonder. Take a high-octane ride along the canyon rim on a Harley-Davidson, cruise the Colorado River on a pontoon boat, or take a flight to Indian Country and learn about the native peoples of the region.

Whatever your style, Scenic has the perfect Grand Canyon tour for you and your family.

Since 1967, Scenic Airlines & Coaches has been providing once-in-a-lifetime adventures for visitors around the world. Family owned and operated, the company continues to shape the air travel industry with life-changing airplane, helicopter, rafting, and coach tours.

Your vacation begins now. To book your adventure, visit scenic.com, or call to make reservations at (800) 634-6801.