Anchorage, AK (Sept. 6, 2011) – According to the latest estimates from the Alaska Cruise Association, cruise visitors are up slightly over 2010. The association expects 887,000 cruise visitors in 2011, an increase of 7,000 passengers this year.

Even though the state lost two additional ships this year — the Ryndam and Royal Princess — it gained four, including Disney Wonder, Crystal Symphony, Oceania Regatta and Silversea Sea Shadow.

The tourism industry as a whole is anticipating growth of between 4 and 5 percent over 2010. Additional indicators for the remainder of 2011 also are generating optimism. The leisure and hospitality industry is up 400 jobs from 2010, and the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau is expecting a 4 to 5 percent increase in hotel occupancy this year.

Looking ahead to 2012, Princess will bring another ship to Alaska, which translates to about 50,000 more visitors to the state. The State of Alaska is conducting its Alaska Visitor Statistics Program, a comprehensive analysis of visitors to Alaska.  

Source: State of Alaska

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