Dear Editor: I was born and raised in Sitka, and I’ve chosen to stay here, raise a family here and open a small hospitality business here because, simply put, Alaska is my home.
Working in the tourism industry has enabled me to build a sustainable, locally rooted business in a remote location. My summer income covers the winter living expenses, enabling me (and several team members) to stay in Alaska all year instead of moving elsewhere. It has allowed me to make long-term investments in historic preservation, job creation and community partnerships.
I am proud of the impact I’m able to have within my community.
My business directly supports and employs over 50 Alaskans, including direct employees, seasonal staff, contracted operators, transportation providers, local artists and more. For a small town like Sitka, the trickle-down effect is significant.
Tourism revenue provides the stability that many traditional industries no longer offer consistently. With Southeast Alaska’s commercial fishing industry facing difficulties, it is crucial for our young families that tourism continues to grow and flourish in the state in the coming years.
But when tourism investment is low, small towns and locally owned businesses that rely on consistent visitors suffer the most. I encourage legislators to compare our marketing budgets with those of other states and examine how underfunding affects promotion and the travel industry. Funding for tourism in Alaska has dropped significantly over the past decade, and this trend must be reversed.
Teal West, Sitka
