Las Vegas businessman, David Jin, visionary and developer of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles after a four-year battle with cancer. He was 51 years old. Jin is survived by his wife, Yvonne, son Michael and stepdaughter Catherine Han.
Jin devoted his career to bringing tourists from his native China to the United States through his company, Oriental Tours, Inc., so they could experience the splendor of the Southwest. His company, Y-Travel, operates busses and vans providing charters and tours in and around Las Vegas and along the west coast.
Another of Jin’s company’s, Grand Canyon Skywalk Development, designed and built the Skywalk that extends over the West Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. It has become the most recognized cantilever structure in the world. The Skywalk has exponentially increased tourism to Grand Canyon West by attracting more than 2.3 million visitors since opening in 2007. It also created hundreds of jobs for members of the Hualapai Tribe, whose land anchors the Skywalk.
Yvonne Jin, David’s wife and business partner, will take over ownership responsibilities of Grand Canyon Skywalk Development and Oriental Tours, Inc. and Y-Travel. Ted Quasula, David’s longtime business associate and a Hualapai Tribe member, will continue to manage Grand Canyon Skywalk Development.
“David loved America and particularly the Southwestern region,” said Anita Wong, manager of Far East marketing for Oriental Tours, Inc. “He was a compassionate man who was enamored with the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Together, we have built relationships throughout Asia and across the world creating a pipeline of tourism for the desert Southwest. I will continue our work and make David proud.”
“David believed in the Hualapai people and treated us as partners…The Grand Canyon Skywalk will be David’s legacy for eternity,” said Quasula. He added, Hualapais for generations to come will benefit from David’s creativity and generosity.
Mark Tratos, attorney for Grand Canyon Skywalk Development, said that it was David’s wish that his family sustains the legal matters related to the Skywalk to their full conclusion. Tratos said, “David had the vision of exposing visitors from around the world to the wonders of the Southwest, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon as only an immigrant who loved this country could have. We look forward to having his family fulfill his vision.”
