Q: What does FCVB do to specifically help travel
agents?
A: Our tourism department helps travel agents by providing sample
itineraries, print catalogs, materials, winter and summer guides,
and promotional videos at no cost. We also conduct fam tours so
agents become acquainted with what Fairbanks has to offer. This
year we started an e-newsletter for travel agents. FCVB also helps
travel agents through the power of cooperative marketing. Many of
our members offer discounted or comp services to agents or travel
media. We conduct direct sales calls, work with ATIA, host
travel-agent presentations before and after major trade and
consumer shows. Many shows have a travel-agent component that
allows one-on-one visitation with our bureau services before the
shows open to the general public. When agents and consumers attend
these shows, both benefit from exposure to new tours and
destinations.
Q: How much of the state does FCVB represent?
A: Fairbanks is quickly becoming a hub for exploring much of the
state. Our southern boundary includes Denali National Park and
extends to the Arctic Ocean, and west central Alaska to the eastern
Canadian border. We like to see Fairbanks as the hub of the Alaska
tourism wheel, from which lead many spokes of opportunities and
adventures. Commercial airlines offer convenient non-stop flights
between Seattle and Fairbanks. Our reviews show that people on
land-based tours often feel rushed when they pass through
Fairbanks. Many are choosing to end their vacations here so they
have several days to explore on their own.
Q: How does FCVB market Alaska to potential
visitors?
A: We actively advertise our visitors guides, sponsor travel
writers and assist media in placing national and regional stories
on Fairbanks and Interior Alaska. Our tourism folks call on groups
and organizations to educate them on why they should hold their
conferences and meetings in Fairbanks. Our comprehensive website
offers comprehensive details on Alaska trip planning. At industry
and consumer shows, we promote "Winter Fun, Midnight Sun" to
showcase our winter and summer image.
Q: Why the increased interest in Fairbanks winter
tourism?
People are embracing Fairbanks as a winter vacation option. We are
one of the world's greatest destinations to see the northern
lights. Last year, we mailed out 1,300 press releases for our free
winter guide, with few pickups. This year, over 110 newspapers and
magazines picked up and ran our press release. Fairbanks received
over 80,000 winter visitors last year.
Q: What's new on the Fairbanks tourism
horizon?
A: Cultural tourism, Fairbanks Art Expo, and non-profits like the
Fairbanks Symphony or Curling Club are attracting an increasing
number of visitors who have interest in these specialized
activities. The University of Alaska's Museum of the North is
opening this year. Interest in gold mining and frontier history is
booming. I've never seen people have so much fun as they do when
gold panning. For the first time, Japan Airlines is offering summer
direct flights from Japan to Fairbanks.
Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau
800-327-5774
www.explorefairbanks.com
