TOURISM
Alaska is a year-round destination— and visitors can even fish in the winter. © Matt Hage | State of Alaska
Travel Like a Local How businesses are making Alaska a year-round destination By Vanessa Orr
A
laska is a wonderful place to live year-round, but most people who choose to visit come during the warmer summer months. While this is a big boost to the economy, some companies are encouraging travelers to come earlier and stay
36 | September 2019
longer, creating more lucrative shoulder seasons in April, May, September, and October. The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) promotes the state as a yearround destination, and that includes attracting visitors during the shoulder seasons. “If we can get people to visit at this time of year, it really benefits
our communities and businesses,” explains Sarah Leonard, ATIA president and CEO. “Businesses can stay open longer, which makes them available to residents as well as visitors. And if the Alaska tourism industry strengthens our year-round visitor numbers, it also allows these businesses to hire more residents, generating more economic
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
