Alaska posts record tourism arrivals for summer 2016
Alaska received a 4% bump in out of state visitors from May to September last year, recording its best ever figures of more than 1.8 million.
Tourism spending was also up by a similar amount with an average spend of $1,057 per visitor.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association said 55% of visitors came via cruise ship, followed by 40% by air.
Sarah Leonard, president of ATIA said strong marketing campaigns have helped fuel the rise.
"I think there are other things we can’t always control that are happening around the world that impact visitation but I think marketing your destination works," she said.
However she warned of tougher times ahead as the marketing budget is down to just $1.5 million, compared to $18 million only four years ago.
"We’re concerned about what will happen two, three years down the road," Leonard said.
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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.
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