OCR Text |
Show predictions come true A few years ago when the University of Utah Bureau of Economic and Business Research indicated in a study that in a few short yiears, Southeastern Utah scenic areas' might well see over a half-million visitors a year, a good many people scoffed. It wasn't long ago that developed Ardhes National Nation-al Monument was managing to host only a little over 10,000 people a year and the rosy prediction seemed a little out of line. This past weekend, however. shouMj - erase all doubts as to the accuracy of the predictions. With development of roads into the scenic areas, they may even be a little conservative. The Needles section, still almost virtually undeveloped for anything but four wheel drive travel, 'hosted almost as many people peo-ple as it has during some decades. And old standby, Arches, saw half as many visitors in one weekend as it did in an entire year during the 1950's The visitor influx was predicted, and a good deal has been done to prepare for it. There are, however, many things that need doing here if we are to continue con-tinue to host ever-increasing numbers of travelers. The community faces the perpetual challenge of presenting an attractive "front page" to the visitor. Business must upgrade its service and friendliness friendli-ness to make the visitors feel welcome and linger awhile. Facilities that are now short or inadequate must be upgraded and enlarged. And most important, the agencies formally charged charg-ed with the business of hosting visitors, in particular particu-lar the National Park Service, must hasten as rapidly as appropriations will allow. We were 'not surprised to bear reports from Moab-ites Moab-ites who happened to be at Elephant Hill over the weekend that many travelers were disappointed and unhappy over not being able to get further into can-yonlands. can-yonlands. This must be remedied or many of the people peo-ple won't come back. Further, travel in Arches National Monument, particularly by campers, gives proof positive that further fur-ther campground development in that area, preferably prefer-ably closer to the entrance than the present Devil's Garden site, must eventually come in Arches. Trav 'itions of the experts are coming true. 11 t i1 tne resuIts is "''' "'""d-3ii "'""d-3ii Utah's res! tars |