Promoting travel to Alaska just got a big boost for 2022 and beyond as the nonprofit association responsible for managing Alaska’s image to the world was designated by Governor Mike Dunleavy to be the designee of a $10.48 million grant from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration (EDA).
When applying for the grant earlier this year, the State of Alaska designated the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) as the recipient for these funds. On Monday, at a press conference with Governor Dunleavy and Alaska tourism businesses, ATIA laid out its plans for managing the grant going forward. Sarah Leonard, ATIA president and CEO, said in a statement, “This investment in statewide tourism marketing will allow us to build on the creativity and momentum on initiatives we’ve implemented over the past few years.”
ATIA works to promote the entirety of Alaska as a year-round destination, and it champions the businesses that help drive tourism as one of the state’s top resources. Alaska’s tourism industry was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in major losses to the state and small businesses that rely on out-of-state visitors. At its peak, the tourism sector was responsible for one in 10 jobs in Alaska. The grant funding will allow for the continuation of statewide tourism promotional efforts activated during the pandemic; this includes safe travel guidance in advertising, public relations and travel trade efforts. Those efforts reached both audiences in the lower 48 states and an in-state audience as Alaskans were encouraged to patronize local businesses and explore their own backyard through the “Show Up for Alaska” campaign.
ATIA will also be furthering its efforts to support cultural tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Alaska. Already in 2021, ATIA added a Cultural Enrichment Subcommittee to be more inclusive of Alaska Native and cultural stories in tourism marketing.
For more information on Alaska tourism, visit www.alaskatia.org.
Related Stories
Hard Rock to Purchase The Mirage Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Cape Resorts Adds Pridwin Hotel and Cottages to its Portfolio
Hawaii Grants Permission for UnCruise to Continue Sailings
Foreign Travelers to U.S. Must Now Test Within One Day of Travel