GRAND CANYON WEST, AZ (July 13, 2010) Grand Canyon West, home of the world-famous Skywalk glass bridge, opened its new Welcome Center and Air Terminal with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this past Saturday July 10, 2010.  Doing the honors of cutting the ribbon was the Hualapai Tribe’s Eldest Woman, Christine Cooney, age 94.  The opening ceremony of the new facilities was in conjunction with Grand Canyon West’s 22nd Anniversary. The ceremony provided a rare opportunity for media and the community to speak with the Tribal Council members, Tribal Chairman and CEO of Grand Canyon Resort Corporation about the vision of the Hualapai Tribe. There were many other representatives of the Tribe’s past, present and future as hundreds of proud Hualapai people were in attendance. Many Hualapai dressed in traditional clothing and performed ceremonial dances throughout the day. Also during the ceremony, Tribal members who have contributed to the past and present successes of Hualapai Tourism were recognized and honored.

“The elders are not only representative of our past, but representative for all that are looking for a better future for their families and children.  It’s truly an honor to have Christine Cooney cut the ribbon that symbolizes our recent successes,” said Robert Bravo, Jr., CEO of Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. “Our elders have gone though years of difficulties and challenges. Now they are here to see that an independent future for our youth is possible and that the world has cherished the beauty that we have shared.”

The Hualapai have been striving for an independent future particularly because before the progress the unemployment rate was in excess of 50%. The reservation is located many miles from the facilities and opportunities of a large city and deciding to move forward with their tourism ventures was complicated and riddled with challenges both internally and externally. However, it was determined a necessary stepping stone. The Tribe uses the revenue from tourism to build a better life for its children and elderly. The proceeds from these endeavors will enhance education, build necessary public buildings and help develop other social services programs.

The new facilities total nearly 20,000 square feet which will double the current amount of available space. The new and improved structures will contain all guest services including concierge, ticketing, gift shop, air tour terminal, hop-on-hop-off shuttle station, espresso bar and café.

About Hualapai Tourism: Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which is wholly owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation, manages Grand Canyon West, Hualapai River Runners (whitewater rafting), and the Hualapai Lodge. Grand Canyon West is a collection of viewpoints and attractions spread over 9000 acres of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim in Northwest Arizona, just 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is the only place in the Canyon where visitors can access a boat ride on the Colorado River via helicopter and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4000 ft above the canyon floor. The site attractions are: Guano Point, with panoramic canyon views and the historic guano mine tram; Eagle Point, the location of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Native American Village with authentic dwellings of multiple tribes, and live Native American performances; and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with cowboy entertainment, horseback riding, wagon rides and overnight cabins facing the Canyon rim. Private cars are welcome or all inclusive tours are available from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV, and Hummer. The Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66 and Grand Canyon West are open daily 365 days a year.  Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day whitewater raft trip through the Grand Canyon, operates March – October. Visitors can view a complete list of activities, book reservations, and get directions at www.grandcanyonwest.com or by calling 1-888-868-9378 – internationally at (001)-928-769-2636.

Visit: http://www.trustedtours.com/store/Grand-Canyon-Skywalk-Deluxe-C818.aspx for tickets to the Grand Canyon Skywalk

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