Alaska Tourism

Fabulous fishing, festivals, wildlife, wilderness, glaciers and a sense of adventure draw 1.3 million visitors to Alaska each year.

A century after the Gold Rush began, the mystique of Alaska is still here for people who want to watch eagles soar, whales play, bears fish for salmon and gather berries, moose nibble lichen on the tundra, and other critters roam free in their natural habitat. 


Others come to hike or ride horses in the backcountry, watch the migration of caribou through the Brooks Range, pan for gold, ride with a sled dog team, fish for record salmon and halibut, or take part in cultural events and festivals celebrating Alaska's heritage.


The state's visitor industry offers options to accommodate the comfort level of travelers of all ages and physical abilities. Most visitors find time to take in flightseeing, walking tours of historical areas, a day of sportfishing or skiing, or special events such as the Golden Days Parade in Fairbanks, the Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage, the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg, or the end of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race at Nome. Each Alaska community has its own traditions, and visitors are welcome to participate in events.


Cruises are growing in popularity, as are outdoor adventure options ranging from birding, hiking, camping, photography and mountain climbing to river running and ocean kayaking.
A significant portion of increased tourism is coming from convention Business, on the rise in Alaska as more people in charge of planning conventions become aware that Alaska is cost competitive and has the hotel and convention space to accommodate their meetings.

The state has also attracted a growing number of conventions, particularly in what are called the shoulder seasons. Convention planners are learning that Alaska is cost-competitive and has the hotel and convention space to accommodate their meetings.

There's no doubt the tourism industry is an important part of the state's economy. During a recent year, visitors spent approximately $952 million dollars and helped create more than 18,900 jobs. Tourism is the second largest private sector employer in Alaska. It is the third largest revenue producer for the State of Alaska, after the oil and gas and commercial fishing industries.