Freelance journalist Andrew Engelson looked at the impact the cruise industry has on the environment and quality of life in Southeast Alaska. Engelson talked with KTOO’s Anna Canny about his findings.
Tourism
Record number of cruise passengers expected in Skagway this year
Increased docking capacity at the port and a longer season should push Skagway’s visitor numbers past the 2019 record.
Traveling overseas this summer? There’s huge demand for passports, so get yours ASAP
The State Department is fielding half a million passport applications a week — 30-40% more than last year.
Record high 1.5M cruise passengers expected in Ketchikan this summer
As many as seven large cruise ships may tie up in Ketchikan on some Fridays this summer.
Alaska tourism threatened as iconic glaciers melt away
A recent study found that two-thirds of the world’s glaciers could disappear by the end of this century. Those frozen landmarks are a strong attraction for the state’s tourism industry.
Juneau tour company hopes to offer e-bike tours on Douglas Pioneer Road
Local company iRide Alaska has applied for a permit from the city to use the West Douglas Pioneer Road for e-bike tours, but whether it’s considered a trail or a road could make or break their plans.
You can weigh in on how Juneau spends marine passenger fees this year
City leaders expect 1.6 million passengers to visit Juneau this summer. It would be a nearly 50% increase from last year’s estimated 1.1 million and generate an estimated $21 million in passenger fee revenue.
Facing busier tourist seasons, Wrangell is buying high-end port-a-potties off eBay
Wrangell’s only downtown public restroom is a small brown building with just two toilets.
Juneau Assembly approves tourism policy objectives, including five-ship limit
The city hopes to curb issues like crowding and air pollution in the downtown area.
Haines assembly repeals permit for heliport near Klukwan
Five different appeals challenged the permit, mostly focusing on noise.