JUNEAU (AP) — Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Monday he plans to propose as part of his upcoming budget that the state spend $5 million in federal dollars to support tourism marketing efforts amid the ongoing pandemic, and additional funds to prepare state parks for visitors next year.
He said the hope is for a return to “robust” tourism activity after a difficult two years. Speaking in Anchorage, Dunleavy said people are “starting to learn to live with (the Coronavirus) … understanding that it’s not going to go away, but there’s ways to protect oneself.”
There have been promising signs on the tourism front, he noted, citing such things as improved passenger counts at the Anchorage airport and higher hotel occupancy levels in some communities.
Dunleavy’s office credited a prior marketing effort with helping draw tourists to Alaska this year, including independent travelers. Several large cruise ships returned this year after being sidelined amid COVID-19 concerns last year, though traffic was a fraction of normal.
Dunleavy’s office said he has proposed a $5 million grant in federal funds for the Alaska Travel Industry Association. The governor also said he would seek an extra $1 million for state parks to ensure facilities are “clean and accessible” for visitors.
He indicated plans to release his budget proposal Wednesday. The Legislature convenes next month, with the budget the main work assignment.
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