TravelMole Interview: Ron Peck, president and COO, Alaska Travel Industry Association
About 80% of visitors to Alaska come there from May through September, so it should not come as a surprise that tourism officials are trying to entice more travelers in the winter time, according to Ron Peck, president and COO, Alaska Travel Industry Association. He told TravelMole: “We’re working diligently to grow the winter season. “ He said winter activities growing in popularity include winter camping, fishing, Northern lights viewing and dog sledding, among others. The ATIA is trying to enlist travel agents and tour operators’ help by conducting seminars to help professionals sell the destination, he said. Another emerging trend in Alaska travel is a return of international visitors from Europe, Australia and Japan. “It’s encouraging given the relative value of the US dollar to foreign currency. We believe the trend will continue for the summer of 2004,” Mr Peck said. Most visitors come to Alaska for three reasons: mountains, glaciers and wildlife. “But once they get here they say that they also appreciate learning about our rich native culture and heritage, plus they love all the wild fresh seafood available throughout the state,” he said. Historically, visitors to Alaska have been older, 60+. Many also come as couples. “But our age demographic has been dropping.” Among trends in Alaska tourism has been the rise of cruise travel. “It grew almost 5% in 2003 over 2002, and it was the only segment of travel that really grew. Independent travel was flat or down slightly,” said Mr Peck. Other trends: —An increase not just in cruises originating in Vancouver, BC, but also in Seattle. —A growing interest in adventure and action oriented travel, both for the young and the old. Activities such as winter snow machine trips, hiking, river rafting and even motorcycle tours are on the rise. —A growth spurt in hotel rooms. Since 1997, more than 4,000 rooms have been added to the state from the interior, Fairbanks, to Southeast Alaska. Report by David Wilkening
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