The Alaska Native corporation and the family-owned tour operator inked a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for Chukka getting involved in destinations such as Juneau, where Huna is developing a downtown waterfront pier and cruise terminal. By the same token, Huna will lend its destination development expertise to Chukka operations in the Caribbean.
'This MOU is game-changing for underserved communities in Alaska and the Caribbean,' according to Russell Dick, president and CEO of Huna Totem. 'The agreement extends our creativity, the strength of our teams and relies on each other’s experience, but most importantly, our efforts will benefit our communities.'
'Our shared values and commitment to quality, sustainability and guest satisfaction make us a natural fit, and we look forward to working together to create exceptional experiences for visitors,' said Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean Holdings.
'Stronger together'
Both companies have been wanting to expand, and doing so in places with complementary seasonality is ideal.
Alaska makes sense for a Caribbean tour operator with 55 years of experience, said TJ O'Sullivan, chief commercial officer, Chukka. 'We're not going to go into anybody's backyard without a friend,' he added, noting it's the Melville family's philosophy to work with local partners.
For Huna Totem, it's similar. 'As we expand throughout Alaska, we're very keen to partner with local communities and Native organizations so it makes sense to connect with Chukka because their values are aligned with our Alaska Native values,' said Mickey Richardson, marketing/creative director. Plus, the seasonality gives 'opportunities for our Alaska Native shareholders to expand during the winter months, grow and develop their skill sets.'
Said Richardson: 'We're stronger together.'
Consultant Steve Moeller
The opportunity for partnering came at the instigation of Steve Moeller, former SVP commercial development at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, who has been consulting for Huna Totem since September.
Moeller, who earlier worked with both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises when they were independent, privately held companies, said 'I have this family values [philosophy] in my head, which is one of the reasons I joined Huna Totem, Even though it has almost 1,500 shareholders, it's still a very family-oriented organization, and Chukka also operates on very strong family values.
'So that's why I found Huna Totem and Chukka to be such a perfect marriage.'
Working with all cruise lines
While there are ties with NCLH through some Huna Totem developments, both Chukka and Huna Totem officials stressed they work with all cruise lines. Furthermore, O'Sullivan noted that both companies are often the bridge between the cruise lines and communities, including community outreach through such efforts as Chukka Cares.
Icy Strait, Whittier, Juneau and beyond
Huna developed the award-winning Icy Strait Point and is building a cruise facility in Whittier in partnership with NCLH, set for 2024 opening, and developing Àak’w Landing in Juneau on property donated by NCLH, to open in 2025. As the gateway to downtown Juneau, it will have year-round offerings beyond the summer cruise season. Also, through Na-Dena`, Huna's joint venture with Alaska Native corporation Doyon, Limited, they're expanding into the interior via Alaska Independent Coach Tours with access to lodges, tours and concessions in Denali National Park.
Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Antigua to come
And, for the also award-winning tour operator Chukka, in addition to its home country of Jamaica, it has operations and attractions in Barbados, Belize, Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic and, expected soon, Antigua. The company has always had an eco-friendly, cultural focus with offerings like the historic Good Hope in Jamaica and Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park in Barbados.
New Caribbean project
Chukka and Huna Totem are already in active discussions with several destinations and hope to be able to start a new Caribbean project together by the end of 2023. This would be beyond Chukka's existing five-country operations.
Initially the two parties are sharing expenses for their joint efforts. As projects are firmed, they'll form a joint venture for each and then a new company dedicated to the project with both parties as shareholders. The ownership and structure will be unique to each project.
At the same time, Chukka and Huna Totem intend to continue growing and operating independently.
They will be having some joint meetings at Seatrade Cruise Global next week.
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