"Independent Travel" Is Underestimated In Alaska; It's Actually A Big Part Of Tourism

The fall season in Alaska on the Denali Highway.
Fairbanks travelers enjoy the Denali Highway.
...And What About All Of Us Local Alaskans Traveling Around? Don't We Count? 

In state studies, independent travel is often underestimated as a serious factor in Alaska tourism. In the 2012-2013 tourism cycle, an estimated 1,849,700 visitors came to Alaska. This was up 26,000 from the year before, and up 73,000 from two years ago -- but still 100,000 below the peak years in 2007 and 2008.  A survey by the Alaska Division of Economic Development showed that, from May to May this year, 48% came by cruise ship, and 52% came by combined air, ALCAN  and ferry. (Source: "Alaska Division of Economic Development, McDowell Group) It may seem like the numbers are about equal. But they're not. In the summer, far more cruise ship passengers come to Alaska. And in the fall, winter and spring, almost everyone arrives by plane. 

Cruise passengers are more important in Southeast Alaska. Independents are more important to those of us in mainland Alaska. This is especially true when you factor in vacationing fellow Alaskans and the Alaskan Military, all of whom are uncounted independent travelers. We all know Alaskans themselves constitute an important source of tourism income for many communities. Yet, this survey does not count instate tourism. And, many  Alaska cruise ship passengers never get farther north than the Inside Passage, along the coast. 


Cruise companies want to have something to offer the percentage of travelers who do extend their cruise with a trip into mainland Alaska. The large tour companies would like to capture more of the independent market and are adjusting their mainland tours to meet the expectations of people who want to spend less time traveling and more time exploring.