Moab Adventure Center Sees Surge in Business: Projects 2011 Season Bookings 15 Percent Over 2010

Online, July 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Moab, UT - Make sure you're in a world-class region for adventurous living; fill in the blanks with visitor services and satisfying food / lodging options; hope for a little help from Hollywood and the result, says Utah's Moab Adventure Center http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/, is a 2011 business surge that may better 2010 numbers by 15 percent at season's end.

"It's fun to be a part of the energy and excitement happening around Moab this year. We are thrilled by the overwhelming increase we have seen, not just at the Moab Adventure Center, but throughout the entire community," says Jamie Pearce, manager, Moab Adventure Center. She predicted that the company would serve over 31,000 visitors this year.

Many sign up for the 10 percent off deal when three activities are purchased together. Activities range from hot air ballooning and mountain biking to Hummer safaris, rafting and national park tours (Moab is between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks).

Brandon Lake, co-founder of Moab Adventure Center, says that an active film commission deserves much of the credit for this region's popularity. A recent blockbuster, 127 Hours with James Franco (filmed in the area) has helped elevate Moab's profile.

Other films made here since 1939 include John Wayne classics, City Slickers II and Mission Impossible II. The Shafer Trail under Dead Horse Point near Moab is where Thelma and Louise took their final leap into the Colorado River. Star Trek and Nurse Betty also evolved here. The 60-year-old Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission is the longest running film commission in North America.

High gas prices and word-of-mouth are bringing in locals on stay-cations. Some guests are beginning to arrive on a newly offered Las Vegas to Moab flight on Great Lakes Airlines. Lake noted that Moab is the epicenter of what's known as the "grand circle" that Europeans especially seek out. The circle includes Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park and Lake Powell (in Utah) as well as the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and other parks and national monuments throughout the Southwestern United States, "so most people travel by car. And Moab is centrally located to benefit as a stop on all these itineraries."

Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/), an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT. Its programs are available from March through October.

Established in 2004, Moab Adventure Center serves active travelers with half, full, and multi-day adventure programs including Moab rafting, Hummer safaris, Arches National Park Tours, canyoneering, Moab mountain biking, Colorado River jet boat tours, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides. In addition to activities, the Adventure Center also offers Moab lodging and Jeep rentals as well as complete Moab vacation packages.

Surrounded by an immense red rock playground, Moab, Utah, is unlike any other place in the world. Its postcard-perfect desert is adorned with giant sandstone formations, canyon mazes, and thousands of natural arches. Several national and state parks are accessible from Moab.

The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163 or send an email from http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/contact/.

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