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Alaska cruise market climbs back to 1m passengers

Alaska cruise market climbs back to 1m passengers
For the first time in seven years, Alaska welcomed its one millionth cruise ship visitor.

Wendy Yoisten from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada with her husband John, arrived on Holland America Line's Zaandam, which docked Thursday in Juneau. Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, Juneau Mayor Ken Koelsch, CLIA Alaska president John Binkley and a number of local officials and residents of Juneau surprised Mrs. Yoisten as she stepped ashore.

Native dancers greeted the couple and Mrs. Yoisten received a medallion, plaque and basket of gifts from Alaska businesses.

'Your arrival is a significant milestone. Reaching one million cruise visitors this year demonstrates the health and bright future in our industry,' Binkley said.

Gov. Bill Walker issued a proclamation, declaring Sept. 22, 2016, as Alaska Cruise Ship Visitor Day. In his remarks, Lt. Gov. Mallott recognized the proclamation, which states that visitor spending generates more than $4bn in economic activity, helping all regions of the state. He added that cruise ships bring approximately half of all visitors to Alaska. 

Mayor Koelsch read a proclamation highlighting Juneau’s position as Alaska’s leading cruise ship port. Koelsch noted that visitor spending supports Juneau businesses, creates local jobs and accounts for 20% of sales taxes collected year-round.

The cruise industry is expected to bring even more visitors next year as Alaska continues to increase capacity. Holland America recently announced it will be adding a seventh ship to the market, and Seabourn is returning to Alaska in 2017 for the first time in 15 years.

2009 was the last time Alaska handled more than 1m cruise passengers.

'Following years of amazing growth, Alaska took a big hit,' Binkley said. 'We lost about 15% of our market. Many businesses suffered and statewide, Alaska lost more than 5,000 jobs.'

Binkley added that Alaska is now benefiting from the improved tax and regulatory environment enacted in 2010.

'Demand has also improved, following several years of significantly increased destination marketing. We have been able to build back our industry and all indications are that we will continue to grow,' Binkley said.

'With our economic situation, the challenge now is to keep Alaska competitive with the rest of the world and to keep marketing programs robust.'