The cruise industry is the economic lifeblood for many Southeastern Alaskan cities. But as cruise ships became viral hotspots and companies quit sailing, these cities are projected to lose 80% of their tourism — and over half of their local businesses.
That means a lean season lies ahead for businesses like Southeast Exposure, which offers kayak and zipline tours on the north side of Ketchikan.
"I'd say almost 100 percent of our business is from the cruise ships," Southeast Exposure manager Jared Gross said."We're trying to figure out where we can get new business — hopefully some local business this summer." Cruise ship berths in Ketchikan, Alaska, sit empty on May 13 — a day when two ships carrying a total of more than 4,500 passengers were originally scheduled to arrive.Cruise ship berths in Ketchikan, Alaska, sit empty on May 13 — a day when two ships carrying a total of more than 4,500 passengers were originally scheduled to arrive.But it won't come close to replacing revenue from tourists. Gross is offering a season-long kayak rental for $200.
Fortunately, he said, his 34-year-old family business has low overhead. He's confident Southeast Exposure will survive the shutdown to see 2021. Many others won't be so lucky. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau asked 75 local businesses how long they could hang on without tourists in town.Cruise ship tourism isn't just the cornerstone of Ketchikan's economy — it also underpins its municipal finances. Sales taxes collected on floatplane trips and souvenir T-shirts help pay for its police and fire departments.
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