Some Skagway leaders are growing frustrated with what they see as an unproductive back-and-forth with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. What started as a hopeful process aimed at a new tidelands lease has now turned into something close to a stalemate.
Tourism
Southeast economy down, with a few bright spots
The loss of state jobs is hitting Southeast Alaska hard. And tourism has overtaken fishing as the region’s largest private industry, according to a new report.
Ketchikan remains an attractive cruise ship destination
The future remains bright for the cruise industry in Alaska, a cruise line association president said Monday during a shared during a luncheon. Cruise Lines International Association Alaska president John Binkley delivered the optimistic news to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau and Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce.
Can Juneau handle 1.5 million cruise ship visitors? Docks and Harbors says it’s time to plan
An economic study commissioned by Juneau’s Docks and Harbors projects 1.5 million cruise ship visitors in 10 years. The city is developing an urban plan for the downtown waterfront as visitors numbers increase.
Ferry Taku sold, will become floating hotel
The Alaska ferry Taku’s next life will be as a floating hotel. Portland-based KeyMar LLC made the winning bid of $300,000 for the 54-year-old ship.
At Katmai’s Brooks Camp, tourists and bears mingle mostly carefree
Katmai Natioanl Park & Preserve rangers estimated they had 40 individual bears at Brooks in July, not including cubs, being observed by 300 to 400 visitors each day.