A Stately Occasion

Nov 22, 2008

Many travelers still see Alaska as the great unknown.

After World War II, the U.S. government initially considered the Alaska Territory to be not much more than a strategic military post with a small population and a bit of oil. However, when Alaska was signed into statehood on Jan. 3, 1959, it became the 49th state and brought much more with it than what the U.S. government had expected: incomparable wildlife, pristine landscapes, the awe-inspiring Mt. McKinley, glaciers and a sense of what the last bastion of unconquered, expansive North America was supposed to be — nature at its best.

Over the last 50 years, surprisingly little has changed. Alaska remains home to a small population, abundant wildlife, endless landscapes, towering mountains and a sense, for travelers at least, of exploring the great unknown and getting away from it all.

"Alaska has more mountains than high-rise buildings, more animals than people," said Ron Peck, Alaska Travel Industry Association president. "We are excited to be celebrating our 50th year of being a part of the other 49 states. So it’s a great time to see our wilderness and wildlife."

Celebrating Statehood
To commemorate Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood, Alaska and its local suppliers have already begun celebrating and planning events to entice more visitors by coupling its sense of history with its natural beauty. Agents and consumers should expect to hear more about Alaska-related events and festivals in the coming months.

Alaska plans to kick off 2009 with a celebratory float in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Anchorage will be home to a 50th Anniversary Gala commemorating the signing of Alaska’s Declaration of Statehood at the new Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center on Jan. 3.

In the summer, Juneau will host a new exhibition at the Alaska State Museum honoring the three-day statehood festivities of July 3, 4 and 5 in 1959. However, the largest scheduled event will be in Anchorage from June 27-29 with the We’re In Weekend featuring the Arctic Thunderbirds Air Show, a reenactment of the 49th star addition to the American flag and a Wynonna Judd and family concert at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Traveling at 50
Local suppliers are also getting into the spirit of the anniversary with discounts for travelers who are celebrating half-century anniversaries or birthdays of their own.

Aramark Properties of Harrison Lodging and Denali Park Resorts recently announced 50th anniversary bucket list specials, which offer guests a second night for $50. Guests who turn 50 in 2009 will receive a second night free based on availability. Aramark’s four Alaska properties offer accessibility to popular Alaska experiences like hiking, rafting and glacier viewing. Agent commission is 10 percent.

Cruise West offers small-ship tours and 10 itineraries in Alaska. Next year, clients celebrating 50th birthdays or wedding anniversaries will be rewarded with a $50 shipboard credit. Cruise West has 63 years of experience in the region and also offers land packages to Denali and Glacier Bay, discounting prices anywhere from $100 to $300 for bookings made prior to Dec. 12, and from $50 to $150 for bookings made prior to February.

Agents will also find old favorites on the water, including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line (HAL) who together move some 500,000 passengers around Alaska every year. Both offer travelers numerous itineraries to explore Alaska beyond its nearby shores with coupled land packages, too. Princess has 20 different land options, while HAL boasts 29 different itineraries ranging from 10 to 20 days. Both cruise lines offer a starting commission of 10 percent with loads of incentives and promotions for agents to target.

Along the rail, the Alaska Railroad is inviting guests who are turning 50 in 2009 to take a free ride for a day. Trips include visits from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali Park, or the railroad’s coastal routes between Anchorage and Seward or Whittier to see the glaciers. Clients birthdays must fall between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009, and agents can receive a 10 percent commission.