Waterline breaks, wildfires, government shutdowns, Grand Canyon entrance fee surcharges on foreign tourists. Those are some of the challenges Tusayan faces as it promotes tourism. Tusayan was prepared for those challenges having taken control of its marketing from the old and now defunct Grand Canyon Chamber, which had spent Town resources promoting communities such as Valle instead of Tusayan and the Grand Canyon.  That’s one of the reasons Tusayan decided to take control of its marketing.

Since assuming control more than a year ago Tusayan has launched a vigorous promotional effort that includes social media, a new Instagram account, online and print ads, and in person presentations nationwide and worldwide.

Tusayan Tourism Coordinator Jessica Remington updated the Town Council during its January13th meeting. Over the next few weeks, Remington will be placing additional focus on promoting local tourism to audiences in the Los Angeles area ahead of Spring Training.

There is also a campaign linking Grand Canyon and Tourism to the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and 66 reasons to visit the area.

Here is a link to Remington’s presentation and proposed expenditures.

Meanwhile Mayor Vail is asking local businesses to track tourist traffic in response to the federal government’s decision to charge non-US residents a $100 surcharge, on top of the regular entrance fee, to get into the Grand Canyon. Mayor Vail said the Arizona Office of Tourism asked for a delay for some foreign tourists, but she said she was told ‘there is no wiggle room’ from the federal government.

Vail said any effort to convince the feds to change their mind would have to be data driven.