Outdoor Recreation Industry Thriving in Alaska

Over 90,000 jobs generated, according to trade group

Tools

By Lauren Maxwell
Bio | Email

Story Created: Mar 5, 2013 at 7:00 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2013 at 7:26 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It may come as no surprise to Alaskans but a new report says plenty of money is being spent in our state on outdoor recreation. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, a national trade group, people spend more than $9 billion to play in Alaska and over 90,000 local jobs are generated as a result.

Jack Bonney with Visit Anchorage says he isn’t surprised to hear that, he gets questions about what Alaska has to offer in the way of adventure, every day from tourists who are willing to pay.

“How can I dog sled?” said Bonney referring to a popular inquiry. “How can I get out and flight-see around McKinley? How can I go backcountry hiking or fishing? Obviously one of the strong suits for us in Anchorage is we that have all these things in very close proximity.”

But it isn’t just tourists who are willing to spend. Customers have been coming to Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking to buy their gear since 1974, and most of them are local. Over the years, manager Dan Arians said he has seen a shift in his customer base.

“There’s probably more of the 'enthusiasts' that we’ll see more now, opposed to people who would be called 'hardcores,'” said Arians. Arians said the outdoors has become more accessible and more locals are choosing to enjoy it. His sales have been steady in a state where recreation pays.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.