Alaska’s tourism industry is increasingly at odds with British Columbia’s (B.C.) as tensions rise in the trade war between Canada and the U.S.
During a radio interview, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska suggested that the state might seek an exemption from a law that requires cruise ships traveling from the lower 48 states to make a stop in British Columbia before heading to Alaska. If Congress passes such an exemption or the president issues an executive order, skipping Canadian ports could cost B.C. “billions,” according to Sullivan.
“This could be a dangerous move for Canada,” Sullivan warned in his interview with the Anchorage Daily News. “You don’t want to upset Alaska. If that happens, we will work hard to have our cruise ships bypass your ports, which will help our tourism and economy, but hurt theirs.”
There is a precedent for this move. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel was restricted, Alaskan cruise ships were allowed to skip Canadian ports. At that time, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska suggested making the exemption permanent to boost Alaska’s tourism industry.
However, the cruise dispute is not the only challenge Alaska faces this year. The state’s National Parks, a major draw for tourists, are dealing with severe budget cuts. These reductions in funding and staff could negatively affect services, according to Lee Hart of the Alaska Outdoor Alliance. “My concern is that we could see closures or a reduction in services,” Hart told Alaska’s News Source. “With fewer staff, public land managers will have to make tough decisions.”
These developments are likely to impact Alaska’s tourism industry, which has already been grappling with challenges from both trade tensions and budget cuts.
Related topics:
- Amex Reveals Top Travel Trends for 2025
- The Om Festival 2025 to Offer Luxury Wellness Retreats in Vermont’s Green Mountains
- US to Require Canadians Staying Over 30 Days to Register with Government
