Kane County tourism businesses are reporting a slower tourism season in 2026, according to a report published August 19. While Zion National Park remains crowded, business owners in lodging, restaurants, and outdoor recreation have noted noticeable differences this summer.
Jakey Leigh, owner of Jakey Leigh’s Café Bakery in downtown Kanab, told Southern Utah News that business has been slower this summer than last year, though she has observed an increase in European customers compared to previous years.
At a Kane County Tourism Tax Advisory Board meeting on July 22, business owners shared similar concerns. Paul Gagner, owner of Dreamland Safari Tours, stated that last June was the company's worst month since the COVID-19 pandemic. Will Driggs-Campbell, general manager of Best Western Red Hills, told Southern Utah News that comparable Kanab hotels experienced a 26 percent decline in total revenue and a 22 percent year-over-year drop in occupancy during July. Driggs-Campbell noted that the impact on occupancy has been larger than the impact on rates.
Kane County Tourism Director Janette Peatross reported that hotel occupancy fell from 52 percent in April to 47 percent in June. However, transient room tax revenue increased by five percent and average daily room rates reached record levels.
The decline appears to vary by location. Ashley Heaton, owner of Wild Thyme Bistro, told Southern Utah News that the Kanab restaurant is down approximately eight percent compared to 2025, while the Springdale location has seen a 35 percent increase.
Commissioner Celeste Meyeres told the tourism board that visitation in Zion is shifting toward the west side of the park rather than the east side, which connects Zion with U.S. 89 and Kane County. Tourism officials cited several potential factors for the shifting trends, including wildfires, declining international visitation, and large vehicle restrictions at the Zion east entrance that began on June 7. Additionally, Thunderbird Restaurant and White Mountain Trading Post reported seeing fewer tour buses than usual.
The outlook for the fall season remains mixed among local business owners. Heaton reported that the Wild Thyme Kanab location is fully booked for the end of September, and Gagner reported a strong fall outlook for Dreamland. Driggs-Campbell expressed more caution, stating that while fall looks better than summer, it appears weaker than last year, with many Kanab hotels pricing rooms $10 to $100 lower than the same weeks in 2025.
In response to these trends, Kane County tourism officials are implementing refreshed advertising, increased domestic marketing, and targeted local and social media campaigns.
