By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Visitor industry representatives will become visitors themselves next week when Sitka hosts the Alaska Travel Industry Association annual convention.
It’s the first time since 2013 that the convention, which draws industry representatives from around the state, has been held here. It’s also the first time the industry has held a large gathering since before COVID, organizers said.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rachel Roy said more than 420 people have registered for the members-only convention, which will run Tuesday through Thursday next week, with an all-day pre-convention session on Monday.
The Sitka Chamber has the contract for city visitor services, which is run by Visit Sitka, headed by Laurie Booyse.
“The excitement within the industry is high,” Roy said. “People had an amazing time at the convention in 2013, and those who didn’t make it – and people who have never been to Sitka – are excited to be able to be here and be a part of it.”
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski will be here to speak in person Tuesday, and Sen. Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy will give pre-recorded remarks, Roy said.
The convention theme this year is “Back to the Future of Tourism,” with a nod to the 1985 blockbuster film.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time the last few years unsure about what was happening day to day in the industry, with COVID,” Roy said. “And with this convention theme we want to start looking toward the future, getting back to planing for the future of Alaska tourism.”
Roy said Visit Sitka was pleased to see the number of registrations top 420, and that everyone registered seems to have been able to find housing, including in vacation rentals, hotels and dorms on the Sitka Fine Arts Camp campus, where most events are being held.
She said she’s hoping stores, restaurants and businesses will hold off on their post-season break and be open for the week of the convention.
“Renew, Rebuild, Rejuvenate,” is the theme of Monday’s pre-convention summit at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The convention will start Tuesday morning and all events Tuesday through Thursday will be held on the Fine Arts campus.
Convention goers will be able to join the townspeople for the Greater Sitka Arts Council’s Fall Art Walk, 4 to 6 p.m. Monday.
Among the topics at the travel industry gathering are regenerative tourism, small-scale tourism, accessible travel in Alaska, hiring and housing workforce, the power of social media and influencer partnerships, and ranked choice voting. One of the topics, “Hitting a High Note,” is an update on alcohol permits, the cannabis industry and the impact on Alaska tourism. A number of social events, and opportunities to network also are planned, Roy said.
The 2022 Miss America, Emma Broyles, will be present for Celebrate Alaska Night, which will feature a screening of “Alaskan Nets,” the documentary about Metlakatla High School boys basketball team.
Signup to attend the convention in person is closed, but registration is open for virtual attendance by going to the link alaskatia.org, Roy said.
She said also that volunteers are needed for setup, and at the airport to welcome people arriving for the convention. Additional information is available by calling 907-747-8604.
