Winter tourism in Interior Alaska on the rise despite Covid-19

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Visiting Alaska is a bucket list destination for many that live outside of the 49th state. Alaska, known for it’s view of the Northern Lights in the winter and 24-hour daylight in the summer are world wonders. A travel organization, Explore Fairbanks, works year-round to attract visitors from around the world to the Interior of Alaska. Furthermore, Alaska does have heavy competition for Aurora Borealis chasers. According to Explore Fairbanks’ CEO and President Scott McCrea, “The big competitors over Iceland, Finland, Norway [to name a few] people are traveling even within the U.S. want it’s a natural phenomenon. Fairbanks in many ways is superior to those destinations as far as offering up better Aurora viewing experiences.”

Prior to the pandemic international travelers, particularly from Asia, were the majority tourists of visiting Alaska. Now, domestic based travelers have taken the lead as frequent visitors.

McCrea stated, “If we look at which season is growing at a faster rate over the last 10 years or so the winter season was growing faster than the summer. Now summer remains our peak season in terms of the number of visitors, but it’s the winter one that has been expanding the most.”

The northern lights and attractions like dog mushing, ice art competitions, and other winter activities are highlights that are attracting more visitors to Alaska during the winter season.

Summer travelers may enjoy the Alaska coast cruises that are anticipated to see record numbers this year despite the ongoing pandemic.

More information on Alaskan tourism can be found on ExploreFairbanks.com.