Visitor Data: Outdoor Travel

Alaskans Really Love The Great Outdoors, Says University Report

The University of Alaska's 2019 Center for Economic Development tourism report says that Alaska has the highest rate of participation in outdoor recreation in the U.S. and that people spend almost $3.2 billion in Alaska every year on outdoor recreation.

Although around 50% of all Americans spend time playing outdoors, recreation is a must for 81% of Alaskans. In fact, almost 60% of us say that outdoor activities are a major reason for living here in the first place. 

FROM: University of Alaska Center For Economic Development 

Visitor Data: Tourism On Upward Swing

State Predicts Another Good Year For Tourism; Alaska Travel Industry Expects Increase In Travelers in 2017

The State Of Alaska Labor Department released a projection in January, 2017 that shows "the visitor-dependent slice" of the tourism industry is expected to grow. The state quotes an Alaska Travel Industry Association prediction of an increase in tourists for 2017. In 2015, total travel went up 7% over the summer of 2014. Cruise ships were up 3%, air travel was up 13%, and "highway/ferry" travel was up 14%. Cruise ships made up 48% of travelers, but 47% came by air. Highway travel was the fastest growing segment. 

Tourism figures for last year, 2016, are expected to be available in February, so check back. 

According to the State Labor Department, "Americans are traveling in ever-larger numbers, and cruise ship bookings are up." 

FROM: Alaska Economic Trends, Alaska Department of Labor. January, 2017

& McDowell Group 

Visitor Data: 19% Is The Magic Number

Travelers Around Alaska Spend Roughly Equal Amounts On Four Vital Services

Travelers to Alaska need just about everything. And they're willing to pay for it. Lodging, activities, gifts and food  all bring in about the same amount of money – between $355 million and $392 million to businesses in the summer.

Data from the McDowell Group shows that between 18% and 20% of all expenses are evenly divided in importance for visitors.

Here's the breakdown:

What Do Alaska's Travelers Spend Their Money On?

Lodging: $392 Million

Gifts: $363 Million

Activities: $360 Million

Food & Beverages: $355 Million

GRAPH: Courtesy McDowell Group

Visitor Data: $1.2 Billion Spent On Mainland

45% Of Tourism Income Comes To Southcentral Alaska 

Independent travelers spend more money in Southcentral Alaska than anywhere else. A total of $866 million is spent in Southcentral – or 45% of all money spent on land by non-package travelers. It's no surprise that Southeast hauls in the money; that's where the cruise ships land. But Southcentral's piece of the pie is surprisingly hefty.

Interior Alaska is also a heavy hitter, with 17% spent (or $336 million.) The total amount of non-package tour and non-transportation money spent in Southcentral, the Interior & the "Far North" is $1.2 billion. 

Where Do Alaska's Travelers Spend Their Money?

Southcentral: $866 Million

Interior: $336 Million

Far North: $26 Million

Southwest: $93 Million

Southeast: $622 Million

GRAPH: Courtesy McDowell Group