Visitor numbers at Navajo Nation Parks have plummeted this year, with international tourists, especially Canadians, avoiding trips to the United States due to political tensions. Monument Valley saw a dramatic 40 percent drop in visitors, while Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park experienced a 13.5 percent decrease. The decline in Canadian tourism has had a significant financial impact on local businesses, as international visitors tend to spend more than domestic tourists. Many hospitality business owners and guides are worried about the future, with bookings for upcoming years already looking bleak.

In response, the Navajo Nation Tourism Department has received a substantial budget increase for 2026, allowing for new hires and advanced data tracking to better target marketing efforts. Two new hotels and a short-term rental platform are also in development to help retain tourist spending within the community. Despite the current challenges, these initiatives offer hope for revitalizing tourism and supporting local livelihoods.