Local Business · Coconino County
Grand Canyon Businesses Report Drop in International Tourism After $100 Foreign Visitor Fee
Businesses operating near the Grand Canyon report sharp declines in international visitors following a $100 surcharge imposed on non-U.S. residents at 11 national parks, effective January 2026. Grand Canyon Journeys co-owner Chris Kelly said German-speaking tour bookings fell from about 10 per year to one through October 2026, with none scheduled for the remainder of the year. Across Arizona Tours filed a lawsuit in Arizona federal court on Sept. 28 challenging the fee as unauthorized by Congress. The Interior Department projected over $90 million in annual surcharge revenue but reported only about $22.5 million through August 2026, while the National Park Service defended the fee as fair since U.S. taxpayers already fund the parks.