U.S. EDA awards $10.5 million grant to Alaska for tourism promotion

The U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration announced a $10.48 million grant Monday to Alaska to support travel, tourism, and outdoor.

The State of Alaska designated the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) as the eligible recipient for the funds when applying for the grant earlier this year.

ATIA works to promote Alaska as a year-round visitor destination. The state Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development is coordinating the grant.

“This past year reminded millions of people in our country and around the world of the intrinsic value Alaska offers,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

“Marketing Alaska makes the rest of the world aware of the beauty and open spaces and recreational opportunities of Alaska, an epic place for people to discover.”

Alaska’s tourism industry took an enormous hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a massive shock to the state’s overall economy. ATIA will use the $10.48 million grant to establish campaigns to draw tourists back to Alaska.

For the past year, ATIA has included safe travel guidance in advertising, public relations, and travel trade efforts. They have the marketing infrastructure and assets available to effectively and efficiently implement a statewide marketing campaign and continue to accelerate the recovery of Alaska’s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries, while laying the groundwork for future growth in these sectors.

Nationwide, the EDA is awarding $314 million in American Rescue Plan State Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grants to 34 states and the District of Columbia.

The funds will support marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel.