Chamber of Commerce News Release: Tusayan Businesses Open during Grand Canyon National Park’s Limited Opening May 15th – May 18th
May 14, 2020
(TUSAYAN, Ariz.) Yesterday, Grand Canyon National Park announced a limited reopening at the South Rim. While there are no services being offered within the Grand Canyon National Park boundaries – many of the local businesses in the Town of Tusayan, located 1-mile from the entrance station, will be open for business.
“If you are looking to get out of your house safely, we have some ideas,” said Laura Chastain, General Manager of the Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor Bureau.
“Tusayan businesses are ready for you to come back. We are following CDC Guidelines and Governors Orders to create a safe and healthy experience for our residents and visitors” said Mayor Sanderson. The Town of Tusayan has secured masks, gloves and no-touch thermometers for all the Tusayan businesses. Each business has put in place COVID-19 safety measures for their staff and visitors.
There are three Tusayan hotels open, Grand Canyon Premier Best Western Squire Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. Additionally, local restaurants are open, Plaza Bonita, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Pizza Hut and the Tusayan General Store. Currently, tours are available at Papillon Helicopter, Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Jeep Tour & Safari (Kaibab Forest – Indian Painting) and skydiving with Paragon Skydive.
The National Park Service has created a Social Distancing “soft opening.” Access into the Park is only from 6 am – 10 am. Once you are in you can stay for the day, but access is only on Desert View Road with extremely limited parking. “This is more of a drive down the road with a really “Grand” view, turn around and come back. If visitors want to spend the night somewhere other than home, stare at the stars, take a walk with different scenery, eat out and maybe take a tour they should come stay with us.” Said Chastain
The Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor Center will be open limited hours 7 am – 12 pm to answer questions. Visit GrandCanyonCVB.org or call 520-329-1889 for additional information.
