Tourism in Alaska has seen a rebound in the past few years, since it was badly hit by the coronavirus epidemic.
The state’s visitors in 2022 saw the effect on the economy of $5.6 billion in the state, according to a new report by the Alaska Travel Industry Association with the most current data available.
The association does not have any concrete numbers in 2023 ATIA Chief Executive Officer and President Jillian Simpson is hoping that a thorough review to show another year of record-breaking tourism within the state.
What’s certain is that Alaska was home to an record-breaking amount of cruise travelers in the summer of 2013 and accounted for the largest portion of Alaska’s visitors and a quarter of the cruise vessels carrying passengers traveled through across the Gulf of Alaska, Simpson stated, welcoming visitors to Southcentral as well as the Interior.
Listen:
The interview was edited lightly to improve clarity.
Jillian Simpson The state is still using indicators. We’ll probably have better numbers by the end of this month, but have to note that, in the state-wide, similar to Juneau The state saw an unprecedented number of cruise passengers arriving which was a great thing. Also, we saw likely more border crossings for highway traffic. Travel by ferry was as we believe most likely fairly flat. Air traffic was similar to the previous year, however we believe the independent traveler, who was very high in 2022, fell a slightly in 2023. However, the cruise industry is approximately 60 per cent of all summer travel to Alaska which is why we feel that we enjoyed a great summer in 2023.
Michael Fanelli: Let’s look at the last few years or even a decade even. It is evident that the travel industry’s trajectory is heading upwards. Do you think Southcentral or Interior tourism is growing in general as well?
Jillian Simpson Yes, prior to COVID I’m referring to the fact that we definitely saw the growth trajectory across all industries. Then, of course, COVID was the huge disruption. We’re still working on recalibrating following COVID’s disruption. However, I believe that we’re now back on the growth path. The cruising rate has definitely gone up.
Another place where we’ve seen lots of growth, particularly when we look at the last 10 years is winter tourism. This is why the number of visitors who are visiting during the winter months is certainly increasing. Sometimes at a greater rate than the summer time visitation. It’s not more or more visitors, but the proportion of growth from year to year is greater every winter. Therefore, Alaska is becoming more of a year-round tourist destination.
Michael Fanelli:When you think about cruise tourism in particular, I’m aware there’s been some local opposition in certain Southeast communities that suggests the numbers have begun to become excessive. It’s true that you’re an supporter of tourism industry, but I’m wondering whether you believe the idea of limiting cruise ship visits in specific cities might be a sensible idea to consider.
Jillian SimpsonYeah it’s true I believe every community must decide what’s, you know most beneficial for their needs. Sure, the tourist industry as well as the cruise ship industry which attracts so many tourists can be very beneficial for communities and the economy. And I am sure there are plenty of positive discussions taking place with people in every community on distribution and ways to ease some of the stress people are experiencing. However, I believe that overall tourism can be beneficial to communities. It’s beneficial for the economy and it’s beneficial for Alaska.
Michael Fanelli: I know that 2024 has was just beginning but do you have a plan in the near future? What are your hopes in the present?
Jillian Simpson Yes, but I think it’s too not too early to say, but definitely for the summer months. The window of bookings have been decreasing. We’re a bit way off to make accurate predictions, but the first signs are positive. As I said, winter travel market is booming and that’s a great indication. The demand for travel worldwide is not waning significantly and will likely continue to grow. Airlines predict they will see greater need in 2024 than it is in 2023. We have discussed cruise tourism declining for the upcoming year. The international travel market is returning. This means that it’s clear that the United States is experiencing more international visitors. This means all of these factors are excellent indicators for Alaska However, they are also excellent indicator for destinations elsewhere. The competition is robust, however we’re cautiously hopeful. We will keep promoting our brand in the market as a top destination for visitors and are hoping to attract more people to visit us.
