Shutdown ripples spreading along route to Grand Canyon

PHOENIX — Almost five million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park each year. Many of them pass through the community of Tusayan, which is losing tens of thousands of dollars each day that the park is closed because of the government shutdown.

Mayor Greg Bryan runs the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and said he is losing $15,000-$25,000 every day. He estimated the community is losing up to $150,000 per day in a town of less than 600 residents.

“This is ruining lives and dreams. The Grand Canyon is the reason we’re here, without them it’s tough,” he said.

The Grand Canyon is an international draw and its closure has ruined vacations, too.

“We had a couple that came in from South Africa last night that had been planning this visit for 10 years and when they arrived they couldn’t get into the park.”