The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the statewide organization contracted by the State of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, to serve as Alaska’s official tourism marketing organization. ATIA is responsible for marketing the state as a travel destination worldwide and advising the State on tourism planning and policy issues.
As the Association begins its 7th year of operation, state support for tourism marketing continues to be important. Last year, legislation passed that changed the state’s matching contribution rate from 40% to 50%, but the matching rate is only part of the predicament. For Alaska’s visitor industry to grow and become a larger contributor to the state’s economy, additional funding is needed. ATIA has contended since its inception that an effective marketing plan requires an annual marketing budget of $20 million or more.
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