Tourism visitation and marketing
Summary
Visitor numbers at Carl Hayden and the Chamber hub are down, and international travelers are still far below the 4.5 million pre-COVID peak. Franz cited visa costs, expensive food and tours, and geopolitical factors; the board discussed whether the city or state tourism office could advocate for relief.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
Tourism is Page's economic engine — lower visitation means less spending at local businesses and lower hotel tax revenue.
Anyone working on solutions could see marketing and advocacy that helps local tourism businesses recover.
Tourism-dependent businesses, tour operators, and hotel owners absorb the losses from weak international travel.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Economic Development Advisory Board - Sep 28, 2026
July lodging tax fell about 26% — the worst on record — and short-term rental bookings are down 12.3%. September data shows stabilization, and nearby tourism towns like Kanab and Zion are now seeing the same slowdown.
City Council - Aug 26, 2026
The economic development board reported tourism down about 50% and sales tax down about 20%, prompting movement on a facade improvement program.
Economic Development Advisory Board - Aug 24, 2026
Hotel occupancy is down 6% and lodging tax down 22%, and international visitors aren't coming back — speakers blamed politics, costs, and negative media coverage of Lake Powell. The city is putting 30% of its marketing budget into Brand USA and building an international marketing push through booking platforms.
Economic Development Advisory Board - Jul 27, 2026
Visitor numbers and sales tax are down, and headlines about low lake levels are scaring off tourists even though the lake still has 400 miles of shoreline. The city and chamber are pushing back with media interviews, film productions and targeted advertising.
Economic Development Advisory Board - May 26, 2026
Visitor numbers at Carl Hayden and the Chamber hub are down, and international travelers are still far below the 4.5 million pre-COVID peak. Franz cited visa costs, expensive food and tours, and geopolitical factors; the board discussed whether the city or state tourism office could advocate for relief.
Economic Development Advisory Board - Mar 23, 2026
The board considered a letter of support for an updated tourism study conducted by ASU or NAU students. Fresh tourism data could help Page make smarter decisions about its visitor economy.
Economic Development Advisory Board - Feb 23, 2026
The board was scheduled to discuss and possibly act on a proposed tourism forum, building on earlier conversations about bringing tourism stakeholders together.
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