Stop saying "someday"

It is the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau's mission to convince people from all over the country and the state to visit the Mat-Su Valley. And through this column every couple of weeks, the Mat-Su CVB is working to encourage our own Mat-Su Borough residents to enjoy the great destinations and recreation available here.

The time is right, however, for me to expand the boundaries a little bit and encourage you to explore not just within the borders of our borough. I'd like each of you to consider vacationing in Alaska this coming year.

Alaskans are known for their frequent travels "Outside," particularly during our long winters. And who can blame us? Come January, it sometimes seems a necessity to visit a warm location just to see the sun again.

And yet it seems that I frequently hear people say "You know, there are so many places in Alaska that I'd like to see someday." To all those people -- myself included -- perhaps 2002 should be the year to take your summer vacation in Alaska.

I know, most of us already take a few breaks and long weekends to do some fishing, camping or hiking. But how many of us actually "vacation" in Alaska?

Now is the time. Make 2002 your year to see Alaska. Where is it that you've said you'd visit someday? From the bird rookeries of the Pribilof Islands, to the war history of Unalaska to the beauty of the Inside Passage. From rainforests to arctic tundra to the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, Alaska's many diverse environments offer just as many diverse experiences.

And if you're the active, recreation-minded traveler you really need look no further. Rafting, kayaking, bear watching, flightseeing, and even guided camping and biking tours are readily available. Alaska truly does offer something for

everyone.

But my guess is that you already know that. And that you already have Alaskan destinations and activities in mind for "someday." So why should 2002 be your year to see Alaska?

Alaska's visitor industry has been an economic shining star (in many communities the shining star) for more than 20 years.

Your Alaskan friends and neighbors in the visitor industry have not only bought homes and raised families off their tourism industry income but they have purchased supplies and services from your other Alaskan friends and neighbors in the process.

But the tragedy of Sept. 11 has the power to reverse the positive impact of tourism to Alaska's economy, with a trickle-down effect to all economic sectors -- from retail to professional services to construction.

Not only are many people fearful of traveling (particularly air travel, which is critical in Alaska), but the job layoffs and economic downturn will discourage leisure travel in the coming year.

The effect of the 9-11 attacks on the national travel industry was immediate -- as immediate as the grounding of all airlines. You are probably also aware that one airline and one cruise company have already gone out of business since the attacks, with other businesses in peril.

But it's not just large companies that are in trouble. The unease and worry continues down to the smallest bed & breakfasts to the one-van tour company to the roadside gift shop to the gas stations, grocery stores and local travel agent.

In other words, the concerns continue down to your Alaskan friends and neighbors. It is no overstatement when I tell you that the tourism industry is facing a potential crisis. Nationwide and also here in Alaska.

So here I am, encouraging you to take your vacation in Alaska. You know there are places you'd love to see and that your family would love to see. For me, this may be the year to visit Katmai and finally see the bears made so famous in all those photographs. Or perhaps I'll take my first kayaking lesson in Prince William Sound or in Southeast Alaska. In Alaska, the options are endless! I hope you'll join me. Visit Alaska.

For information on what to see and do throughout Alaska, contact a local travel agent or the Alaska Travel Industry Association in Anchorage -- phone (907) 929-2842 or visit www.travelalaska. com. For information on Mat-Su Valley attractions and accommodations, contact the Mat-Su CVB at

746-5000.