Connecting With Community

In partnership with the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Fort Wainwright, UAF, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Explore Fairbanks continued the Fort Wainwright Newcomers City Tour which helps orient new soldiers and their families to the Fairbanks community. In 2022, 1,435 soldiers took part in the tour, an 18% increase over 2021.

In December, Explore Fairbanks held its inaugural Golden Heart Giving event at Lat 65 Brewing Company, raising over $3,000 for the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. A warm clothing driving was held in conjunction with the event with many hats, mittens, socks and coats being donated from local visitor industry businesses. This new program will replace the previously held Visitor Industry Walk for Charity.

Industry Partners Recognized at Annual Banquet

The Explore Fairbanks Annual Banquet was a 70’s themed soiree held at the Birch Hill Recreation Center.

• The Golden Heart Award was presented to Willy Vinton of the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.

• The Aurora Award was presented to Tanana Chiefs Conference.

• The Jim and Mary Binkley Award was presented to Lisbet Norris of Arctic Dog Adventure Co.

• The Raven Award was presented to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.

• Matt Atkinson, Brett Carlson and Lee Kenaston of Northern Alaska Tour Company were inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame.

• The President’s Award was presented to Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward.

Marketing And Outreach

Tourism And Meeting Sales

Hosted 18 international and domestic familiarization tours (FAMs) attended by 78 travel trade participants. Explore Fairbanks partners provided close to $80,000 of in-kind support towards the FAMs.

Participated in 29 domestic and international trade shows, 3 consumer shows and 5 virtual travel trade shows/trainings resulting in appointments, contacts and exposure with more than 3,500 tour operators and travel agents.

Generated 11 meetings and conventions bookings with 2,085 attendees, 5,135 room nights and an estimated direct attendee spending (EDAS) of $2.4M

Media Relations

Hosted 23 media tours with 37 participants.

Issued 10 press releases to 16,913 media contacts.

Answered 423 media inquiries requesting photos, regional information, fact checking, potential filming and more.

Conducted 31 media interviews.

Golden Heart Greeters

18 Golden Heart Greeters assisted with conferences, community events and personal greets, donating 149 hours of service.

Social Media

421,377 followers – up 9%

7,050 followers – up 2%

35,411 followers – up 12%