Na-Dena', the tourism joint venture between Doyon and Huna Totem Corporation (HTC), has acquired Portage Glacier Cruises as part of its ongoing strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure across Alaska.
This investment, which is aligned with the Na-Dena' mission of promoting sustainable and culturally immersive tourism experiences, is also part of Huna Totem’s "Alaska Native Tourism Strategy" of connecting the traditional tourism system with developing opportunities, guiding the visitor journey through authentic Alaska experiences, and driving social and economic opportunity and benefits to Indigenous communities across the state.
Located approximately 10 miles from Whittier, where HTC completed the new Chugach Glacier Gateway cruise terminal last fall, Portage Glacier Cruises provides access to one of Alaska’s most popular glacial landscapes. The cruise navigates iceberg-dotted waters to the face of Portage Glacier, allowing visitors to experience Alaska’s natural environment while learning about the region’s history through interpretive narration provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
The acquisition is the third Na-Dena' investment in Alaska tourism since the joint venture was formed. In 2022, the joint venture acquired an 80 percent stake in Alaska Independent Coach Tours, including its Seattle-based operation, Pacific Alaska Tours. In 2023, Na-Dena', in partnership with the local village corporation, Klawock Heenya, developed a new destination on Klawock Island, which welcomed its first ships in 2024.
Na-Dena' promotes sustainable cultural tourism in Alaska, focusing on growth in transportation, lodging and tour opportunities. The name, which reflects both organizations’ focus on people and community, is derived from Alaska Native languages in each company’s respective region. In the Athabascan language, “Dene” is widely recognized as the word for “people.” And in the Tlingit language, “Naa” means people or tribe.
Visitors to the region, including cruise passengers embarking and debarking from Chugach Glacier Gateway, can book a Portage Glacier Cruise at www.portageglaciercruises.com as well as through participating cruise lines.
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