On June 21, 2023, more than 10,000 tourists gathered downtown on Lincoln Street in Sitka. The City of Sitka’s Tourism Task Force will recommend reducing these “peak days” in a report to the Sitka Council. (KCAW/Rich McClear)
More than a year after its creation, Sitka’s Tourism Task Force has completed its work without determining a “magic number” for annual cruise passenger numbers. Instead, a parliamentary-appointed group adopted recommendations that included reducing “peak days,” working with the tourist industry, and establishing an alternative standing committee.
The number of cruise ships in Sitka has nearly tripled since 2019, with some days, such as May 2, seeing more than 9,000 visitors. Select committee member Jeremy Plank supported reducing these “peak days,” or days when multiple large ships are operating, saying it was a common issue in the polarizing debate. Ta.
“What resonated with everyone I talked to was that the peak era was the problem we had,” Plank said. “And looking forward, if we can stabilize that and the other commitments that we’re talking about here tonight, I think that gives Sitka the best chance moving forward.”
The task force recommended reducing peak days and suggested that the city, which manages Crescent Harbor’s lightening facilities, assist in doing so by limiting the size of vessels using those facilities.
Another proposal on the table was whether the city should pursue an agreement with the cruise industry. Some members said the city needs more data before entering into these conversations. Camille Ferguson, a member of the task force, said she felt torn.
“I don’t know if the right word is an agreement or something like an understanding with industry,” Ferguson said. “We need to communicate with the industry and the community and understand each other and understand that there are issues and we need to come together and address these issues.”
Jim Michener, a member of the task force, said discussions with industry now could help prevent future problems, like the unexpected visit of the cruise ship New Amsterdam on May 2. He said there is.
“You know, if there’s a life-threatening emergency, of course we’re going to come out into the street,” Michener said. “But it doesn’t mean that suddenly there’s no dock in Ketchikan and he has to accept 50 more ships. What’s probably not being talked about is the value of MOAs and MOUs and how to avoid further pitfalls. I think it’s possible to stipulate these things in advance.”
Ultimately, the task force voted to recommend that the city enter into a non-binding agreement with the industry. They also voted on four other directives, including establishing a permanent tourism commission, regulating electric bikes and downtown smoking areas, and maintaining regional tourism cooperation.
The select committee is scheduled to submit its recommendations to Parliament at its May 16 meeting. You can read the full list of recommendations here.
