Record visitation in Alaska driven by strong cruise market

Thursday, 25 Jul, 2014 0

A record number of tourists visited Alaska last year, credited largely with the state’s booming cruise industry, according to a detailed report published by the Alaska Division of Economic Development.

It says 1.96 million out-of-state visitors came during May 2013 to April, 5,000 more than the previous best year of 2007-2008.

This is the third consecutive year of growth and up 12% compared to the last 12-month period.

The state report cites an increase in Alaska cruise calls which welcomed almost one million visitors last year.

A reduction in the cruise passenger head tax has made a positive difference, with ships returning to Alaska and new vessels entering the market, says Commerce Commissioner Susan Bell.

"For example, Holland America increased its presence in Alaska with more departures and more guests than in 2012," she said.

"Celebrity Cruises also expanded capacity by sending one of its new Solstice Class ships to Alaska for the first time."

Air passenger volume is also up with JetBlue, United and Delta all adding more flights over the last year.

Virgin America also recently launched flights to Anchorage and the increased competition is already resulting in lower average fares.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s assortment of adventures awaits you. Whether you want to relax on the beach as the sound of...

Philippine Airlines (PR), also known as PAL, is the Filipino flag carrier. The company started their operations in February 1941,...

Our leadership is bold. Our agility thrives on open innovation and we embrace the new, whether it’s diversity, trends, challenges....

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 93 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives,...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Babble is a leading technology business that is reimagining how we do work. Founded in 2001, the company works with...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

Here at Elegant Resorts, luxury travel is in our DNA. True pioneers in the industry, we were the first specialist...

For over 18 years and over 106 completed events, the Travel & Adventure Show has connected over 2.5 million travel...

The Mexico Tourism Board serves as the driving force behind Mexico’s global appeal, orchestrating targeted marketing campaigns to showcase the...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...