Juneau, the Alaskan capital, may now require cruise enthusiasts to obtain permission before disembarking and setting foot on land. This is due to a recent agreement reached between the city and major cruise lines that operate in the region.
Last week, Juneau and Cruise Lines International Association in Alaska (CLIA) came to an agreement that aims to restrict the number of daily cruise passengers arriving in Juneau. The agreement sets a maximum limit of 16,000 passengers from Sundays to Fridays and 12,000 passengers on Saturdays, starting in 2026.
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To curb the congestion and minimize the impact on city infrastructure caused by tourism, a new measure has been introduced in Juneau. The city witnessed a surge in the number of visitors to a record 1.6 million last year, following a slump due to the pandemic for two consecutive years. In an effort to mitigate the effects on daily life for locals, other popular tourist destinations, such as Venice, Italy, have already implemented similar measures. For instance, Venice became the first city in the world to impose a fee on day-trippers during peak days in April this year.
The recent agreement in Alaska has been crafted to limit the number of visitors to approximately the current levels.
Alexandra Pierce, director of Juneau Visitor Industry, stated on Tuesday that the cruise industry plays a crucial role in the local economy. She emphasized on the need to enhance the infrastructure and increase tour capacity to provide an excellent guest experience while minimizing the impact on residents. As per the agreement, they have decided to implement a cap to manage the busiest days and ensure that the visitor numbers remain sustainable. They also plan to meet annually to review and monitor the progress.
According to the cruise lines association, CLIA, the recent agreement is a commendable effort towards maintaining Juneau’s status as a desirable destination for residents and tourists alike. They praised the measure for being a well-considered and balanced approach.
According to a statement given to CBS MoneyWatch, CLIA believes that maintaining open and regular communication with local communities is crucial for preserving positive experiences for both residents and visitors. By working together, these communities can establish effective self-regulation practices that support the cruise industry and the many local businesses that depend on it.
Tourists’ presence in year-round resident areas has been extended from early April to late October, leaving little reprieve. Cruise seasons have contributed to this extension.
During the current cruise season, a maximum of five large ships is allowed per day under a distinct agreement.
According to the Associated Press, there are skeptics who question the effectiveness of the agreement. Karla Hart, a vocal critic of the cruise industry, believes that the new measure falls short in addressing the issue of unsustainable tourism. She expressed her concern by saying, “It feels like we’re just getting led along again, and expansion will continue and more time will pass.”
A local ballot proposal, initiated by Hart, aims to prohibit ships carrying 250 or more passengers from making stops in Juneau on Saturdays or July 4.
