Free vaccines for vacationers: Governor talks way forward for tourism trade

Tourism is one of the biggest economic dynamos in Southeast Alaska, generating billions of dollars for the region every year.

But with Canada’s ports closed, the region – and the state as a whole – is poised to go another year without this much-needed economic boom.

Governor Mike Dunleavy held a press conference from the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage on Friday, announcing the plan his office was working on to ease the bleeding and help businesses and communities across the state.

“They, like many Alaska corporations and businesses, rely on people coming to Alaska,” Dunleavy said during the conference on the Alaska Native Heritage Center. “Unlike other states connected in the lower 48, we are not connected. At a time like this we will be in a very competitive position from late summer into fall. ”

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The Dunleavy office is filing an application with Alaska state legislature for $ 150 million from the state’s US bailout funds to aid the tourism industry. He also said his office is trying to reach an agreement with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to facilitate cruise tourism. However, he was not very optimistic about a just solution, as the deadlines for cruise companies to get the machines going to make cruises possible this year are fast approaching.

“We’ll continue to work with the CDC, but I’m losing hope,” said Dunleavy. “There are only a few days left before cruise lines have to decide to deploy their resources elsewhere.”

The entire tourism aid package was well received by the Alaska Travel Industry Association, an Anchorage-based statewide nonprofit affiliate for the travel industry.

Sarah Leonard, president and CEO of ATIA, said the governor’s efforts to support the industry have been “impressive”.

Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer will work with local businesses and communities to figure out how best to help, Dunleavy said. Meyer will visit Southeast Alaska first, Dunleavy said, the area hardest hit by the loss of cruises. Meyer will be in the area from Monday, Dunleavy said, stopping in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan before moving to other communities across the state.

Dunleavy mentioned the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the CDC, similar to that filed by Florida, if the cruise season is not allowed to begin.

“We stand ready to bring legal action to discuss damage to our state, our business and our communities,” said Dunleavy. “If this is the only tool left in the toolbox, we are ready to pursue this.”

Dunleavy also announced a program that would allow visitors to Alaska to be vaccinated for free.

“When you come to Alaska, you get a free shot,” said Dunleavy. “Do you want a shot? If you come to Alaska, you get a chance. ”

Dunleavy’s offer to the state to vaccinate tourists was explicitly highlighted as positive by ATIA.

“The governor’s plan to offer vaccinations to all visitors is also a huge benefit for our industry,” said Leonard.

Dunleavy also mentioned an advertising campaign his office would be running through the state’s CARES Act to attract visitors to the state.

“This is not a big overseas item. This is Alaska, ”said Dunleavy. “The cruise lines bring a lot of money, bring a lot of people here, which is good. It trickles down to Alaskans who make a living from it. We’ll try to bring it back. ”

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.