At Monday’s Assembly meeting, members praised Kirby Day for his leadership of Tourism Best Management Practices for the last 25 years.
Tourism
Prince Rupert signs 10-year deal with private operator to grow cruise port
Prince Rupert has welcomed about 41,000 cruise passengers this year, and that’s expected to double next year.
NOAA recognizes 3 cruise ships as contributors to program meant to reduce whale strikes
Some 927 whale sightings were reported by Alaska cruise lines this year.
In new lawsuit, Alaska attempts to claim portions of Mendenhall Lake and River
The lake is currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, and a successful lawsuit could bring significant changes. For example, motorboats and (in winter) snowmachines are barred from the lake.
Study looks at the return of tourism’s impact on whale stress levels
In 2022, tourism was almost back to pre-pandemic levels, so samples taken this year will show the difference in the whale’s stress levels when there are and aren’t boats in the water all summer.
Skagway’s plans for large cruise ships at Ore Dock may be scrapped
Skagway’s hopes of berthing up to four cruise ships a day in 2023 took a full step backward this week as results from a simulation project steered at least one major cruise line company away from agreeing to use a reconfigured dock.