A number of stalls used by waterfront vendors during the summer tourist season will stand empty on Saturday March 21, 2020 in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau’s Docks and Harbors Board approved a refund fee for use of these booths as the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated Alaska’s tourism season. (Photo by Rashah McChesney / KTOO)

Three and a half weeks doesn’t seem like a big deal during pandemic times, but for local businesses that depend on tourism in Juneau, it could make the season longer or shorter.

The Juneau congregation recently relaxed travel restrictions from May 1st. Following last year’s tourism season pandemic, Travel Juneau’s Liz Perry said the changes mean a lot for local businesses that rely on tourists.

“That was the big hurdle for us,” said Perry. “When that is lifted, we’ll see some daylight.”

At last week’s regular meeting, Congregation member Wade Bryson recommended that the emergency policy reset to May 1st instead of May 26th. He said those three and a half weeks could have a big impact.

“We have to start on the right foot not only for companies, but also for tax revenue from the resulting sales tax. Adding three and a half weeks to a very dismal tourism year can make a very positive difference, ”Bryson said.

But assembly member Michelle Hale protested for security reasons, particularly with the threat of other COVID-19 variants. Even if most of the residents are fully vaccinated at some point.

“I’m worried that we will almost make it to the finish line. And then we relax our restrictions and with these variants we could get very close and then find ourselves in a very serious situation, ”said Hale.

Meanwhile, Travel Juneau’s Perry said she didn’t know how much business to expect, but she saw an increase in confidence for consumers looking to book flights.

Although not everyone is that optimistic. The lifting of restrictions will likely help companies serving independent travelers, but those that depend on cruise lines are still losing.

Serene Hutchinson is the General Manager for Juneau Whale Watching Tours.

She said 90% of her business usually comes from cruise line passengers. And while the season is suspended, while Canada’s waters are closed to cruise lines, it has already refunded thousands of dollars.

“I’m not interested in issuing any further refunds. And to be honest, consumers aren’t interested in booking something that they might have to try and get a refund for. It really burned everyone out, ”said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson said if some companies are to survive the season they must aggressively market to independent travelers. She said even if every hotel and short-term rental were occupied for five months, that would be just a drop in the bucket compared to the number of visitors Juneau is used to.

But for Hutchinson, it’s not all doom and gloom. A fifth of Juneau residents are already fully vaccinated, and she said that was a good sign. So she’s still doing business.

“I tell independent travelers, ‘Come on in the water, it’s fine. Let’s go whale watching. Said Hutchinson. “To my neighbors. I say, “You know, trust us, trust us to do our best to take care of our homes and our neighbors, while giving visitors a great, safe time.”

Like other local businesses, Hutchinson is cautiously optimistic about the visitors it can get. Cruise ships or not.

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