Utah national parks and their gateway towns are feeling a summer tourism slump | AI News Digest
Utah's national parks and their gateway towns are experiencing a significant decline in summer tourism, with visitation dropping nearly 10% compared to last year. Bryce Canyon and Glen Canyon have seen notable decreases, impacting local economies that heavily rely on tourist spending. Factors contributing to this downturn include reduced international travel due to economic uncertainty and changing political climates. Local businesses, like Ruby's Inn, are feeling the pinch, with revenue down despite price cuts. While there is hope for recovery, the challenges posed by extreme weather and declining water levels at Lake Powell add to the complexity of the situation. As summer ends, businesses are encouraged to offer discounts to attract visitors back.
