The Grand Canyon West development and Skywalk project have proved to be controversial in a number of ways. Many people have argued against the construction of such a prominent feature overlooking the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Hualapai people are now engaged in an ongoing dispute with the developer who financed the project, and many visitors complain of being over-charged.
The newspaper extract of the below gives an indication of the problems which have arisen.
‘When the Hualwapai tribe opened up the Skywalk on their land on western rim of the Grand Canyon in 2007, there was hope that the glass-bottomed bridge would bring prosperity to the small Northern Arizona tribe. But four years later, the tribe is now immersed in an escalating dispute with the developer who financed the project and manages the attraction.
There are accusations of breach of contract and transgressions on both sides. But both sides can agree that the Skywalk is drawing tourists.
On an afternoon in the middle of the week, hundreds of tourists wait their turn to stroll on the glass bridge. An usher keeping track of the visitors has counted more than 1450 visitors on her shift. In 2010, some 620,000 tourists visited each one paid $29.99 just to enter the Skywalk, and many will fork over another $27.99 to take home a photo. Most come by bus or helicopter on package tours. “It’s breathtaking really, it’s unbelievable,” said Melissa Peck, a tourist from New Jersey as she gazed down at the bottom of the canyon, 4,000 feet below.
The structure was built when Las Vegas businessman David Jin struck a deal with the Hualapai tribe. He would put up $30 million to build the Skywalk and a visitor Center, and then would manage the site for the next 25 years. The profits would be split evenly between Jin’s corporation, Grand Canyon Skywalk development, LLC, and the tribe’s coporation, ‘Sa’ Nyu Wa. But now both sides say the other isn’t keeping up their end of the bargain. The Hualapai’s main grievance is the unfinished visitor center.
The line of tourists winds through the unfinished building on the way to the Skywalk entrance. The exterior of the building is complete, but inside it looks like a construction zone. Hualapai Tribal council member Waylon Honga stands in front of bags of insulation that have yet to be installed in the unfinished visitor center.
“There’s no ceiling, there’s no interior walls, It is one big empty space,” said Honga, as he toured the empty space that is supposed to house a restaurant and a gift shop for tourists. “It’s got a long ways to go.”
Honga and the rest of the council insist the unfinished construction is Jin’s fault
“What is stipulated in the contract was for Mr. Jin to extend the water, the sewer and electric lines and complete the building,” the councilman said. “And it hasn’t been done.”
Jin maintains the utilities are the tribe’s responsibility.’
Evidence log 4 - 50 Word Challenge
50 word challenge — Can you summarise what has happened at Grand Canyon West in 50 words or less? Use the Evidence Log to record your summary
Some of the visitors to Grand Canyon West have been very disappointed and feel that they have been over-charged. Others have had a good experience. The question remains as to whether or not the destination has achieved its sustainable aims or whether the project has become too commercial. There are many reviews and comments about the Grand Canyon West and Skywalk development available on the internet. For example, sites and blogs such as You Tube and Trip Advisor will provide a range of comments.
The review below is very positive.
'After visiting Grand Canyon Weast and the Hualapai people, peering over the canyon's edge and experiencing the thrill of flying in to airstrip over beautiful Arizona canyonlands, I have to say the prices, which appear high on first glance, are worth it when you consider the importance of tourism to the Hualapai people.
The Skywalk and the tourist facilities at Grand Canyon West represent the dreams of the Tribe for a finanacially secure future. All the Tribe has are these beautiful lands. In order to make money, this impoverished Tribe must find a way to use the land. They have chosen to open their lands and hospitality to the world and thus ensure a future for themselves and their children. In my book, a visit to the unusual Grand Canyon West is a good addition to a South-west vacation.'
This one is not!
'After spending 3 hours driving from Las vegas to the Skywalk, being greeted by a 9 mile dirt roas, we arrived at the main terminal; this is where the total rip off begins! Just to acess the bus to the skywalk you have to pay a minimum of $50 per person for the cheapest package. When we asked for the price for just the bus to the sky walk, we were told it was not possible. At that point we paid over the odds for a bottle of water in their shop and took the plunge with their cheapest entrance fee!
There was a long que for the Skywalk (which was $30 more per person, up to $80+ per person now!) and it was nothing special at all, not only that, they don't even let you take your camera! Their excuse was that I might drop it. So our only option was to pay $30 for one of their photos. NO THANKS! The view was not even that good the surrounding area had the same view and they were free!
Other than the Skywalk being a really big disappointment, the other areas we tried where so fake they where not even worth looking at. Stay away from this Tourist trap and spend your money on something you would really like to remember!
The Hualapai Ranch might be classified as a fake attraction.
Full ScreenEvidence log 5 - Reviewing Sites
Use your evidence log to write a review of the review sites.
The Grand Canyon West and Skywalk project have become very controversial because of the dispute between the Hualapai people and the developers. At the same time, poor reviews about the Skywalk experience, over-pricing and the difficulties in accessing the site have added to the controversy. Because of these on-going issues, the sustainability of the Grand Canyon West Project has to be considered carefully.
Much has been written about the dispute between the Hualapai people and the developers and the impact of the Skywalk on the Grand Canyon landscape has been discussed in many newspapers and journals in the USA.
A few of the links to different articles available are provided below.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag07/sept07/skywalk.html does-tribe-have-legal-right-to-seize-control-of-grand-canyon-skywalk http://writefunny.blogspot.com/2008/10/grand-canyon-skywalk.html http://www.examiner.com/day-trips-in-phoenix/visitors-guide-to-grand-canyon-west-and-the-skywalk http://www.latimes.com/la-na-skywalk11feb11,0,6435928.story http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0410/p20s01-litr.html http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/18/us-arizona-grandcanyon-dispute-idUSBRE82H08O20120318You might be able to find more interesting articles using different search engines.
Full ScreenEvidence log 6 - Sustainable or not
Use your evidence log to give and justify your opinions about the sustainability of the Grand Canyon Project.