Lorene Palmer is president and CEO of the Juneau Convention and
Visitors Bureau. She has been an Alaska resident since she was 10
years old and has been in the tourism industry for 24 years.
Q:What is so special about Juneau and southeast Alaska?
A:Residents as well as tourists enjoy the ability to be so close
to vast areas of beauty and wilderness. Alaska’s capital is also a
political town, and residents are incredible writers, jewelry
makers, painters and photographers.
In addition, our civic center has excellent technology and
20,000 square feet of meeting space. And direct air service from
Seattle makes Juneau an attractive destination. But Juneau is not
the place for clients wanting to visit a spa or play golf. We cater
to smaller groups who want outdoor activities.
Q:Compared to Anchorage or Fairbanks, Juneau has a limited road
system and is accessible only by boat and air. What do people do
when they disembark from their jet or cruise ship?
A:In 2005, Juneau had 935,000 cruise passengers and 80,000
independent travelers who spent more than $160 million. Juneau has
the most accessible glaciers in the state. Whale watching, fishing,
hiking trails, brown bear viewing or kayaking are also popular
activities.
Q:How does a small coastal city handle as many as 10,000
tourists disembarking a cruise ship and walking the Juneau
streets?
A:As a cruise destination, Juneau has grown significantly in the
last decade. We have made it easy for cruise ship tourists to
quickly and easily access many of the tours here, without
delay.
Q:Juneau is the jumping-off point for Glacier Bay. Is there
another favorite glacier closer to Juneau?
A:People are always impressed with Tracy Arm Fiord, with its two
incredible glaciers and rock walls that line the fiord. It’s worth
the day-long cruise, where people can also see wildlife, whales and
waterfalls.
Q:Is there a great off-season time to visit Juneau?
A:Juneau’s best-kept secret is mid to late April when our
weather is drier. For people not afraid of rain, early October is
another good time to visit. Fishing and whale watching are good and
still accessible, and the fall colors are at their peak.
Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau
907-586-1737
www.traveljuneau.com
