Most common misconceptions about Alaska? (house, live, kids)

[drew4008]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

That's probably quite the truth in the case of Skagway these days, which really is little more than a theme park, but they needn't flatter themselves that they are contributing in a substantial way to the economy.

Not to support the stances of such tourists, but something I learned in class: Tourism is the #2 industry in the country by dollar value.

[Metlakatla]

Ask your econ prof to explain the difference between the respective economies of Skagway, Alaska, and Petersburg, Alaska.

The kind of touronism that occurs in Skagway may be responsible for quite a substantial cash flow...

most of it is flowing south, though.

Petersburg has declined to be a cruise ship port for all but the smallest ships.

Guess which community is thriving.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Ask your econ prof to explain the difference between the respective economies of Skagway, Alaska, and Petersburg, Alaska.

The kind of touronism that occurs in Skagway may be responsible for quite a substantial cash flow...

most of it is flowing south, though.

Petersburg has declined to be a cruise ship port for all but the smallest ships.

Guess which community is thriving.

*Thinks deeply*
Hmm... I choose Wrangell! *rickshaw, canned laughter, etc*
Thanks folks, I'm here all week.

But seriously, Metla is exactly right. Cruise ships could potentially be a source of untapped wealth for local businesses, but instead it's just making their job harder by scaring away their local customers. Because let's face it- who wants to shove your way through the seething crowd to get to Annie Kails, or Heritage, or the Fudge Co? I'll do it, but I'll grumble and mumble obscure insinuations at random tourons the entire way.

[warptman]

Remind me to hide my camera if I ever goto Juneau in the future. I've only been to the airport there on my way to Sitka, twice.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by warptman

Remind me to hide my camera if I ever goto Juneau in the future. I've only been to the airport there on my way to Sitka, twice.

It's not the camera that signals tourist to me. Heck, I carry a camera with me pretty much everywhere I go.
It's the white tennis shoes, glorified garbage bag poncho, and self-righteous attitude.
Got any of those?

[Metlakatla]

It's worse than that, Xa'at.

The cruise ships put out little "shopping booklets" with little coupons....if local businesses want to get into that booklet, they have to not only pay a kickback to the cruise ship companies but also be prepared for hordes of tourons whining for their "free gift".

And again, the jewelry stores can and will pay much higher rents for retail spaces than most locals can pay...hey, it's all a tax write off for them anyway.

The barf that is regurgitated from those ships is the worst kind of trash.

I know I posted on another thread that my 80 year old father was knocked down on the streets of Skagway by some touron so intent on the pursute of a shiny trinket --that she couldn't even take a second look to see if the old man she knocked over was okay.

Its true that Skagway itself will die if not for the touron industry...but it was never a real town to begin with. The cruise ships are nothing more than the second gold rush.

Petersburg has the highest income per capita in the US.

They seem to have the highest level of integrity as well, as they have refused time and time again to allow their community to become infested with floating food bins and the vultureesque carpetbaggers that follow them like bag ladies in a bus station scrounging for stray butts in the outdoor ashtrays.

People who want to see the North, and who think outside the box..are welcome here as tourists...and we do get our fair amount of travelers here as well....but tourons...I have less than no use for them. To me they are worth less than the waste that the ships they come up on barf into our waters.

[warptman]

Originally Posted by Xa'at

It's not the camera that signals tourist to me. Heck, I carry a camera with me pretty much everywhere I go.
It's the white tennis shoes, glorified garbage bag poncho, and self-righteous attitude.
Got any of those?

Makes sure to wear brown hikers, a cabela's jacket, and fix my attitude.

[Xa'at]

Except Karla of course! Right on, though.
Here, have a cyber Alaskan, on me.

[warptman]

I don't drink, but when I fly Alaska Airlines out of here, I have one of those to calm everything down. Drools...Amber Ale

[Metlakatla]

Here's one for ya, Xa'at, from my deck near Talkeetna the summer before last: