Navajos improve tourist attractions

New visitor center at Monument Valley

By Ron DunganAt 9 a.m. Dec. 9, the tribe will open its newly remodeled visitor center.

The original center was renovated and expanded to add displays, an observatory and an audio-visual room, said Martin Begaye, program manager for the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department.

A three-dimensional display of the park is planned for the second floor of the center.

"We also have an open area where we hope to have arts and crafts demonstrations," Begaye said.Diné offer scenic byways

Navajo markets its beautiful scenes

By Karen FrancisThe Navajo Nation has begun a campaign to market its scenic roads and now has a Web site and brochures showing off five scenic roads and portions of The Trail of the Ancients and Route 66 that run through Navajo land.

There’s no doubt that there are beautiful scenes on the Navajo Nation—from the beautiful Canyon de Chelly to the iconic Monument Valley and the famous Shiprock—and now the Navajo Tourism Department has identified those roads that bypass the most scenic views on Navajo.Comment:  As you may recall, I was at the visitor center in 2007. As I recall, it had a nice gift shop on the upper floor and a high school-quality "museum" on the lower floor. If I'm remembering correctly, there's certainly room for improvement.

Sounds like the Navajo Nation is doing good things. Every tribe should do what it can to improve its outreach and attract tourists.

For more on the subject, see Monument Valley = American Icon and Navajo View Hotel Opens.