The Southeast island community of Petersburg, known as "Alaska's Little Norway," recently held a town hall meeting to discuss the future of tourism in the area. With a focus on potential partnerships with cruise lines, residents expressed their views on how to responsibly manage tourism growth while benefiting the local economy.
Key Takeaways
- Community members gathered to discuss tourism expansion.
- A potential partnership with American Cruise Lines is on the table.
- Emphasis on responsible growth to protect local interests.
- Local businesses rely on summer tourism for year-round sustainability.
Community Engagement
On February 10, approximately 60 residents attended the town hall meeting, where they shared their thoughts on increasing tourism, particularly from cruise ships. The discussions highlighted the need for a balanced approach to growth, ensuring that the community retains control over its tourism development.
Many speakers voiced concerns about the potential for over-tourism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the town's character and resources. The sentiment was clear: while tourism can bring economic benefits, it must be managed carefully to avoid negative impacts on the community.
Economic Benefits of Tourism
Local business owners underscored the significance of summer tourism for their operations. For instance, Madeleine Valentine, co-owner of Viking Travel, noted that the influx of tourists during the summer months allows businesses to remain open year-round, providing essential services to local residents.
Valentine stated, "The dollars that are being spent in the town are going a lot further than just the business owners here. It’s allowing everyone the opportunity to have these amenities year-round."
Diversifying the Economy
Sarah Holmgrain, president of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the community's shift away from being solely a fishing town. She pointed out that the local economy is diversifying, and tourism is a crucial component of this evolution. Holmgrain remarked, "Petersburg is no longer just a fishing town... Our economy needs to continue to change and grow."
The local visitor industry management plan indicates that cruise ship visits have declined from a peak of 17,000 passengers in 2006 to less than 10,000 in recent years. Holmgrain emphasized the need to tap into the potential of cruise tourism to generate additional revenue, which could help sustain local jobs and programs.
Proposed Partnership with American Cruise Lines
A significant topic of discussion was a potential partnership with American Cruise Lines, which has expressed interest in increasing its visits to Petersburg. The company operates small vessels that can accommodate around 170 passengers and is looking to build a floating dock extension to facilitate easier access for its ships.
Kristin Meira, director of government affairs for American Cruise Lines, assured residents that the dock would remain a public facility, emphasizing the company's commitment to preserving the community's character. She stated, "We value what you have here. We want to be a part of it."
Next Steps
The proposed dock extension is still in the early planning stages, with American Cruise Lines having submitted a formal application to the borough. The plan will undergo review by Petersburg’s planning commission, followed by a public hearing before any decisions are made.
As the conversation about tourism in "Alaska's Little Norway" continues, community leaders are optimistic about finding a path that balances growth with local control, ensuring that Petersburg remains a vibrant and welcoming place for both residents and visitors alike.