HomeMy WebLinkAbout11062024 PACAB Laydown - Chamber- LAyooL-)(\)
Seward Chamber of Commerce & Convention Visitors Bureau
Executive Director Report
11/12/2024
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Visit Seward attended ATIA Conference in Juneau:
• The Alaska Travel Industry Association is the state's leading
industry organization for travel -related businesses and supporters and each year they
hold an annual convention with leaders in tourism businesses, wholesalers, vendors,
destination marketing organizations, and elected officials.
• 2023 Visitor Volume Alaska:
o Summer Cruise 56%, Summer -independent 31% Winter 13%
o Total state visitors: 3,046,600 guests
• Tourism Industry:
o Supports 48,000 Alaska Jobs
o Economic Impact; 3.9 billion in direct spending, 5.6 billion economic output
o Visitors generated $158 million to the State of Alaska in 2023, $840,000 in bed
tax for the City of Seward in 2023.
• ATIA Budget
O 2023 $10 million (state investment, industry investment, grants)
O 2024 $8.6 million (average statewide budget for tourism industry is 19.6 million!)
o VRT generated $15.1 million in 2023 (70% generated by out of state visitors)
• ATIA's goals
o Grow Alaska as an international, year-round vacation destination
o Enhance and strengthen the destination brand domestically and internationally
o Continued focus on cultural and sustainable integration in all brand efforts
• Met with Royal Caribbean Group & Seward City Tours on expectations for improved
Cruise Ship Docking
• Kenai Peninsula Borough adopting an ATIA Chapter
• Why is it important to go to the ATIA Conference?
o Representation for Seward among the leaders in the tourism industry
o Advocate for the year round community of Seward
o Create and maintain trusting relationships with stakeholders
o Stay abreast of industry trends
Winter Weekends & Important Events:
• Halloweek in Seward
• Shop Small Save the Date - Nov 30th
• Nov 4th Cruise Ship Terminal Community Forum*
• December Chamber Luncheon with Community Development
• February Chamber Luncheon with ADF&G and CIAA on Coho in Resurrection Bay
Formal Request for a Work Session with the City Council, Mayor and Administration