Alaska has long been a popular tourist destination with its stunning landscapes, unique cultural heritage, wildlife, glaciers, and endless outdoor activities. In this blog post, we will explore the resurgence of tourism in the Last Frontier in recent years, with key statistics and details about this unique destination.
In 2019, Alaska welcomed approximately 2.2 million visitors, generating $4.5 billion in economic impact but only about $70 million in state tax revenue. It is interesting to note that tourism does not directly contribute a significant percentage of the state's budget. This is because most of the money tourists spend goes to businesses, which then pay taxes on their profits. The state also collects a small amount of tax revenue from hotel stays and rental cars.
However, tourism is important to the state's economy in other ways. It creates jobs, supports local businesses, and promotes economic development. The state government also invests in tourism marketing and promotion, which helps to attract more visitors and generate more economic activity.
Pandemic Travel Decline and Recovery
In 2020, pandemic safety precautions led to traveling uncertainties, including restrictions, and cruising was canceled altogether. This was a difficult time for people to plan trips to Alaska (and many other destinations.) As tourism was strong in Alaska in 2019, with over 2 million visitors, in 2020, that number dropped to just over 1 million. In 2021, visitor numbers rebounded slightly to 1.5 million as people began to go on vacations again.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that Alaska's tourism is starting to recover. In the first quarter of 2023, visitor numbers were up 10% from the same period in 2022. The cruise ship industry is also starting to rebound. Sailings have resumed, with more ships scheduled to visit Alaska this summer than in 2022. While precise figures for 2023 will come later, reports suggest that many tourism-related businesses have seen a resurgence, bringing hope for a bright future for the industry.
The Alaska tourism industry is working to attract more visitors to the state by promoting Alaska as a safe and healthy destination, offering competitive prices on flights and hotels, developing new and exciting tourism products and experiences, and partnering with travel-related businesses to promote Alaska to potential visitors.
Alaska Tourism Quick Facts
- The industry employs one in ten Alaskans and supports over 200,000 jobs statewide.
- Visitors to Alaska spend an average of $2,500 per person, which helps to support local businesses and communities. This spending increases by about 5% each year.
- The top destinations in Alaska include Denali National Park, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.
- Visitors to Alaska can enjoy many activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, whale watching, and glacier viewing.
- Most visitors to Alaska arrive by air, but the cruise ship industry is seeing significant growth.
- Alaska is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
- The industry is still facing some challenges, including the high cost of travel to Alaska and the remoteness of many destinations.
Alaska's tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With its unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural experiences, Alaska continues to captivate the hearts of adventurous travelers. It offers an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list, so go ahead and head North!
-------
Alaska Air Forwarding is your air freight forwarding connection to Alaska. Our experienced team can access the most remote areas in Alaska to ship your freight door-to-door, where no other shipping company can. Call us at 800-426-0004 for more info.
