Grand Canyon hotels, concessions remain open under new manager
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Grand Canyon officials say hotels, mule rides and restaurants at the South Rim will remain open to millions of visitors once they award a temporary concessions contract.
A new 15-year contract worth up to $1 billion for services at the South Rim is up for bid for a third time after previous bids didn’t meet the park’s terms. That contract won’t be awarded before the current one expires on Dec. 31.
Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga says a temporary contract can be awarded to any concessions company for up to a year to fill the gap.
The current vendor, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has reached its limit on extensions. It has notified nearly 980 employees that they could be laid off if the company doesn’t get a new contract.
