Travel and tourism were hard hit everywhere, and Alaska was no exception. In-state travel was the deciding factor for many companies in 2020. Alaskans traveling in their own backyards endured many places in the leanest months. The effects would have been much worse without you. In some of our communities, locals accounted for more than two-thirds of 2020 business, far more than usual. If you’ve hiked a different trail, camped in a different location, headed the road in a new direction, or booked a getaway – even in your own town – thank you. It all made a difference.

There is reason to believe that national travel will soon recover. The more people vaccinated, the more Americans could travel this summer – and travel safely. But as you’ve no doubt seen, Alaska’s tourism businesses face major challenges before recovery. As Alaskans involved in tourism, we cut out our work for ourselves.

Our goal has always been to maximize the economic and wider benefits of travel and tourism to our communities. We will continue to share Alaska with adventurers, supporting our communities, local businesses, and Alaskans who rely on travel for a living.

We will do everything we can to get travelers here at the right time and there is reason to believe that last year profits are possible. There is a pent-up desire to travel and a great deal of interest in Alaska in particular. Travelers want scenic beauty, open spaces and parklands. We might even be able to snag some Americans who normally travel overseas but are looking for incredible domestic options given the current uncertainties of international travel. It will be more important than ever to attract them and convince them to stay longer and explore.

It will take us all. We need your help again.

Last year we asked you to come to Alaska, stay and play, and you did. Right now, you have a greater and better opportunity to plan for the months ahead.

If you are able, plan and book your next adventure now. Go ahead, take a longer trip, and try a new activity. There are many ways to make it big in Alaska. Twenty-four national park units, 22 million acres of national forests, 3 million acres of state parks, and 33,904 miles of coastline – there’s no way you’ve seen it all. This is the year you devote yourself to the epic adventure that you thought you could and haven’t found time for.

We can help you find the best ways to enjoy your perfect place and make your travel dreams come true. it’s what we do and it’s what Alaskans do for each other. If you are unsure how to achieve this, we can help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Invite your friends and family to share and take advantage of cheap airfares. We can help you roll out the red carpet (and make sure you don’t spend too much time on your couch while you’re here). If you don’t know where to send them, any of our organizations make it easier and can make this a reality this year.

If staying closer to home is your speed, we encourage you to shop for locals, visit tourism companies and cultural attractions in your hometown, support your favorite shops and restaurants (and try some new ones too).

You deserve some rest and relaxation. Let us help you get the most out of 2021 while helping businesses across Alaska. You will not regret it.

This opinion was written by members of the Destination Marketing Organizations in Alaska. Debbie Speakman is the executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council; Sarah Leonard is the president and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. Julie Saupe is President and CEO of Visit Anchorage. Patti Mackey is President and CEO of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. Liz Perry is President and CEO of Travel Juneau. Bonnie Quill is President and CEO of the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau. Deb Hickok is the President and CEO of Explore Fairbanks. Sharon M. Anderson is the executive director of the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau. Laurie Booyse is the director of Visit Sitka.

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