Tombstone’s economic health took a punch by the recession that hit in late 2008, and the decline hasn’t stopped since.

“Many people lost their jobs and the overall income in the economy declined, meaning there was less to be spent on tourism,” said Robert Carreira, director of the Cochise College Center for Economic Research.

“Also, since tourism is considered a luxury rather than a necessity, it’s very susceptible to changes in the economy.”

This means since people do not need to spend money on tourism, it will take a back seat to things they do need, like food and shelter. Thus, tourism in Tombstone declined.

“Tombstone’s accommodation receipts were up in 2008, but down in 2009, 2010, and the first seven months of 2011,” he said. After inflation adjustments, sales from local hotel, motel and RV parks totaled $2.8 million in 2008, $2.7 million in 2009, $2.3 million in 2010 and $1.4 million in the first seven months of 2011. The amount of money made in the months measured in 2011 was lower than the respective time period in 2010. Aside from a few peaks in the data, the overall trend is diminishing.

Carreira’s data showed a decline throughout Cochise County. Modest recoveries have already been seen in Sierra Vista, although it is likely because the city’s business isn’t based solely on tourism.

Gordon Anderson, owner of the Larian Motel, has noticed this decrease in the number of guests.

“I’ve seen a decrease in business since the recession—I think everyone has—but it hasn’t been too dramatic,” he said. “2011 has been slower than usual, but I’m not worried.”

Anderson said this time of year is low for all businesses in Tombstone, but October, with the coming of Helldorado Days, will be higher for the Larian.

“The bed tax, though, leaves us at a net negative,” Anderson said. “That won’t help bring business back.”

Anderson expressed his distaste for the increase in the bed tax, which may make staying in Tombstone less attractive to tourists. Though the tax is thought to bring more revenue to the town, Anderson thinks it comes across as unfair.

“If they wanted to bring more money into the city, they should have increased taxes by a tiny amount across all industries, not a huge increase on just one,” he said. “This city relies on tourism and increasing the price for rooms won’t help it.”

Even though Anderson said he will have to increase the cost to stay in each motel, he is hopeful the rates at which he fills his rooms will level out soon.

“I suspect it will continue to be tough economic times for Tombstone,” Carreira said. “Job growth at the state and national levels have been sluggish and consumer confidence is low.”

He cited an increase in gas prices as a possible cause for Tombstone’s slow recovery.

“(Gas prices) alter tourism patterns by generally keeping people closer to home,” he said. “This is particularly so for RV travelers, which make up a large component of tourism to Tombstone.”

He also mentioned the coming election year will likely drag the recovery process further. “All everyone will be hearing from both sides will be how the economy will be destroyed if the other side is elected,” he said. Carreira suspects that consumer confidence will not increase as a result and the country’s citizens will not be willing to spend more money.

“I wouldn’t expect a strong rebound in the economy until 2013.”