On the “bucket list” for people all over the world is to hike the Grand Canyon, most notably, the Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails. Of the six million-plus annual Grand Canyon visitors, it is estimated less than 7 percent actually hike down into the canyon (only 1 percent to the bottom). Even so, that adds up to 434,000 hikers a year on the corridor trails. Maintaining these popular trails for safe passage are many people who work at times in high heat and low temperatures to ensure hikers … [Read more...] about Stewards of the Trails Keeping Grand Canyon Accessible
Tourism
Tourism Supporting Thousands of Jobs, Delivering Millions to Local Economy
The average visitor to Flagstaff is 47 years old, makes more than $100,000 a year, brings two other people along – often, family members – spends nearly $600 a day with his or her group and stays about three nights. Half of the 5.5 million guests who visit come specifically for Flagstaff. About a third are primarily here to see the Grand Canyon, while others are on their way to the Phoenix metropolitan area or Sedona. These are the findings of the Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau … [Read more...] about Tourism Supporting Thousands of Jobs, Delivering Millions to Local Economy
‘Suntern’ Chases the Sun to Flagstaff
Lauren Breedlove may believe she has the best summer job. She earned a “Sunternship” with the Days Inn hotel chain. It is her job to jet set to some of the sunniest cities in the nation, explore, take photos and learn a few things about the destinations to share. On her list was Flagstaff, where she visited last month. Breedlove did some sightseeing, went horseback riding and ate what she claims is one of the best burgers ever, from Diablo Burger. “It’s in the top three,” she … [Read more...] about ‘Suntern’ Chases the Sun to Flagstaff
City Receiving Positive Feedback from Business Community
Mother Road Brewing Company is one of the businesses sharing information about its success with the Flagstaff City Council and thanking the city for its support. During a Flagstaff City Council Work Session on Nov. 28, Mother Road Brewing Company owner Michael Marquess reported that last year, the brewery made 4,400 barrels of beer. Soon, the business, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, will be on tap to brew 20,000 with the opening of a larger space. Mother Road is … [Read more...] about City Receiving Positive Feedback from Business Community
NAU, Tourism, Driving Flagstaff Economy
A steady upward trajectory in the Flagstaff economy throughout the remainder of this year and into 2018 promotes continued growth in the construction and retail trades amidst local challenges and a more hostile worldwide environment. So shares Ron Gunderson, Ph.D., emeritus professor of economics in the College of Business at Northern Arizona University. Insights from Gunderson and Lee McPheters, Ph.D., research professor of economics in the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State … [Read more...] about NAU, Tourism, Driving Flagstaff Economy
The Greater Goal: Quality of Life Positively Impacted by Tourism
The Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau is on a mission. A mission to increase the quality of life for every household in Flagstaff. Sound like a daunting task? Well, the effort needed to create this economic impact may not be easy, but the formula is simple: tourism = dollars. Dollars you don’t have to spend on services you enjoy such as city beautification, parks and recreation, arts and sciences and economic development. According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, approximately 42.1 … [Read more...] about The Greater Goal: Quality of Life Positively Impacted by Tourism
Tourism Officials Marking Record Year
At the most recent iteration of Flagstaff’s official welcome to the new year – the Pine Cone Drop – thousands of people stepped out of nearby restaurants, bars and hotels to witness the first of two celebrations centered around the Weatherford Hotel. Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabors addressed the mob of revelers, asking who was visiting from out of town. A collective cheer erupted, indicating the vast number of guests in the crowd. After officials lowered the metal pine cone in synchrony with the … [Read more...] about Tourism Officials Marking Record Year
Flagstaff Receiving Well-Deserved Respect
Hey Arizona, Flagstaff is all grown up and no longer the little sister living in the far-reaching shadows of glorified big sis, Grand Canyon. Where Flagstaff may once have been considered a stopping-off place on the way to or from one of the world’s top natural wonders: no more! The Flagstaff Convention and Visitor’s Center has the data to back what city leaders, locals and travelers have known for some time: Flagstaff is a place people want to go because, well, it is Flagstaff. … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Receiving Well-Deserved Respect
Influenza Poses Greater Threat than Ebola
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa and deadly diseases elsewhere in the world may infect the imagination and spread fear among observers, but Flagstaff is more susceptible to an influenza epidemic from the often preventable circulation of airborne germs. Mare Schumacher, epidemiologist at the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD), says that while an occurrence of Ebola cannot be ruled out completely, chances are slim. “When friends tell me they are worried about getting … [Read more...] about Influenza Poses Greater Threat than Ebola
Suns Return to Flagstaff for Training Camp
The Phoenix Suns will return to Flagstaff, Ariz. for the second consecutive season when they report for training camp at Northern Arizona University from September 30 through October 4. This year marks the 18th time the City of Flagstaff has hosted the team’s training camp and the second straight year after the Suns returned in 2013 for the first time since 2004. Phoenix first used Flagstaff as a training camp site in 1986, coincidentally the first training camp as a player for now Head Coach … [Read more...] about Suns Return to Flagstaff for Training Camp