As a cultural interpreter, John Lawrence tries to answer any questions people might have. Some questions are about paint. Other questions are harder.
Tourism
Where does Juneau’s cruise ship head tax money go?
Between passenger taxes and city sales taxes, Juneau collects enough revenue during cruise ship season to pay each permanent resident over $700. But it doesn’t. So where does it all go?
Army Corps declines to hold public hearing on Ketchikan megaship dock permit
The Army Corps of Engineers says it has sufficient information to rule on a permit for a floating megaship dock in Ward Cove. That’s despite requests from the city of Ketchikan to hold hearings.
Tourism advocates say proposed Roadless Rule exemption threatens industry’s growth
Tourism operators in Southeast say they plan to continue pushing back against further development in the Tongass National Forest following this week’s news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to fully exempt the region from the Roadless Rule.
Cruise boom brings more business to Sitka but strains some local attractions
Cruise ship passenger counts in Sitka were up 40% in Sitka. Some welcome the extra business, but the large crowds created challenges for some local attractions.
You’ve probably never been to the Anchorage airport’s sleepy second terminal. The state wants to change that.
The state Department of Transportation is looking for private companies who want to partner to essentially take things over at international terminal.
After record-breaking season, city task force takes on tourism challenges
Mayor Weldon wants the task force to focus on are whether the city’s current approach to managing tourism is effective and to tackle the controversial topic of capping the number of cruise ship visitors to Juneau.
When it comes to cruise ship passengers, how much is too much? Visitor industry insiders differ.
After a season of record-breaking growth, a gathering of tourism industry stakeholders in Juneau celebrated the summer’s success. But some attendees voiced concern about the need for serious conversations about the number of cruise ship passengers visiting the state.
As complaints increase, Norwegian Cruise Lines agrees to pay for emissions monitoring in Skagway
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation received nine emissions complaints from Skagway this year.
A final trip on the Mount Roberts Tramway for 2019
The last day to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for 2019 was Wednesday, Oct. 2.