This issue’s cover story, “Get More Out of Glacier Bay” (page 16),
features arguably the most popular tourist attraction in one of the
hottest destinations. Glacier Bay consistently records visitor
satisfaction survey numbers in the 90s and by all reports Alaska as
a whole has had a boom year. So to say that Glacier Bay is a
crucial attraction for agents is probably an understatement.
Getting a fresh take on one of the greatest attractions in the
Great Land is a challenge for any publication. Geographically, as
well as culturally, Alaska is a place unto itself, and it takes a
true expert to go beyond the ordinary and uncover new opportunities
for agents. Fortunately TravelAge West has a secret weapon: Writer
Christopher Batin, a 30-year resident of Alaska and the author and
photographer of this issue’s cover, serves as the magazine’s
Contributing Alaska Editor.
Besides being an expert backcountry guide and fisherman, Batin
is an award-winning and widely published writer. (In fact, he was
recently awarded a prestigious Excellence in Craft award from the
Outdoor Writers Association of America for his story “Alaska by RV:
The unexplored Country” published in TravelAge West in October
2004.) Batin serves as our readers’ expert guide in a vital market
for agents particularly Western agents.
While I’m on the subject of the magazine’s staff, I would also
like to welcome a new name to our masthead: Tara Cole, our Art
Director. Cole comes to us from Architectural Digest, and we are
all looking forward to her professionalism and strong design
skills. Cole is no stranger to travel either. While her dream trip
is to Africa, she studied design in Florence, Italy, and she will
be traveling to India this Christmas.
As always, we welcome our readers’ comments and suggestions for
Cole, Batin or any of our staff, as we continue to strive to bring
you the best publication possible. K.S.
