LISTEN: It was supposed to be a record year for Alaska tourism. Then COVID-19 hit.

(Elizabeth Jenkins/KTOO)

Alaska tourism businesses were anticipating a record year for visitors in 2020. Then the pandemic forced shutdowns and travel restrictions for visitors decimated prospects for the annual revenue boost so many Alaskans depend on. How much has federal CARES Act funding helped Alaska’s visitor industry and will these businesses survive the winter? We’ll discuss the summer of too much vacancy on the next Talk of Alaska.

HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:

  • Debbie Speakman, Executive Director, Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council
  • Liz Perry, President & CEO, Travel Juneau
  • Sarah Leonard, President & CEO, Alaska Travel Industry Association

PARTICIPATE:

Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.

Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (comments may be read on air).

Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (comments may be read on air).

LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Aug 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.

Lori Townsend

Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452. Read more about Lori here.

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