Big Bend National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rugged beauty, saw visitation hold steady in 2023, according to new data released by the National Park Service. Despite a record high during the pandemic, with visitation peaking in 2021, the park experienced only a slight decrease in visitors last year, signaling a stabilization in tourism. Rick Gupman, deputy superintendent of the park, attributes this plateau to a readjustment to pre-pandemic visitation levels, highlighting the region’s continual upward trajectory in popularity. The park’s popularity has been intertwined with the burgeoning tourism industry in South Brewster County, with short-term rentals playing a significant role in accessibility for visitors.
For the complete story and further insights into the tourism trends impacting Big Bend National Park and the surrounding region, read Marfa Public Radio’s reporting by Annie Rosenthal.
