The long-serving manager of Juneau’s tourism program is retiring from his role as an intermediary between local residents and tourists.


Members praised Kirby Day’s leadership of Tourism Best Management Practices (or TBMP) over the past 25 years at Monday’s Assembly meeting.


Mayor Beth Weldon gave a proclamation to Day, thanking Day for her efforts to address noise, crowds, and pollution concerns related to Juneau’s tour operators and cruise ship industry.


Weldon stated that TBMP has been a model for controlling cruise tourism impacts in Alaskan communities and elsewhere around the globe.


This program is funded by cruise ship passengers fees. There’s also a hotline for locals to ask questions and voice concerns.


Day also served as Director of Shore Operations for Princess Cruises while managing TBMP. He thanked the Assembly, acknowledged the many meetings, and acknowledged the conversations that have taken part to improve the relationship between the cruise industry, the community, and the community, particularly as more tourists arrive each season.


He said that although we don’t solve all the problems of 100% of people, it is possible to make an impact. But I believe we have made an impact .”


Travel Juneau, a private non-profit that promotes local tourism, will now be responsible for TBMP. Day will be replaced by Elizabeth Arnett, Travel Juneau Elizabeth Arnett, who will coordinate between the city’s cruise industry, local tour operators, and the public.