MANY tour operators are dipping their toes into the Alaskan market, offering established cruise lines’ voyages along the coastal Inside Passage and beyond.
But with more cruise operators expanding the land content – and variety – of their packages, tour operators have followed suit with add-ons such as self-drive packages.
Alaska Division of Tourism UK representative Jacqi Todd agreed that cruising has boosted the British appeal of a visit to Alaska but adds that the destination deserves to be promoted in its own right.
“We want to see more of a balance between sea and land content but the cruise lines have got the bigger budget to spend on advertising and marketing of the destination. This means they tend to introduce the majority of the market to Alaska,” she said.
“While cruising is a great product, the profits don’t stay in Alaska. Thus we are keen to promote the kind of tours and flydrives that benefit the state as well.”
Todd said part of Alaska’s charm lies in its make-up as a rugged frontier state that can offer both soft and hard-adventure options.
“Alaska is generally ideal for those who enjoy exploring on their own. A good introduction is to take a self-drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali National Park and stop off at some of the excellent bed-and-breakfast inns en route. This takes visitors from the south-central part of the state to the interior,” she said.
“Another equally attractive route to Fairbanks is along the Alaska Highway from the Yukon in Canada’s Northwest Territories.”
Todd added that the autumn scenery here is as good, if not better, than that found in New England, as well as being on a much bigger scale.
“You can do it by car or campervan or take the more leisurely option of travelling on the Alaska Railroad, which is a good way to view the scenery. Either way, it’s great fun and easy to do,” she said.
The total UK market to Alaska now stands at around 25,000 visitors per year, of which more than 14,000 are cruise passengers – a jump of 20% since 1994.
Said Todd: “Alaska only seriously entered the UK market about five years ago and it is only in the last three years that it has achieved any significant funding.
“The state is now featured by more than 40 tour operators. There is a lot of enthusiasm to develop new product from both the operators and Alaskan suppliers.”
Companies such as Delta Vacations, Thomas Cook, Bales and Jetset are looking to either introduce or expand Alaska cruise product while 1st Class Holidays has brought out a dedicated Alaska tour-and-stay programme.
The US newcomer Hayes and Jarvis has also introduced land-and-cruise packages.