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August 27, 2004

The Sitka Visitor Industry Study Group (VISG) would like to take this opportunity to clarify any misconceptions that may exist regarding the purpose of the survey conducted this summer.

In January of 2004, several Sitkans convened to discuss the future of the visitor industry in Sitka. All agreed that the industry is a vital part of Sitka’s economy, and yet all noted that few, if any, community-wide discussions were being held to look toward the future of the industry and its role in Sitka. There are several quasi-governmental bodies working on developing the visitor industry; however, there is not a single comprehensive plan being developed with open participation of the public.

After a handful of meetings, the Sitkans decided to widen this discussion, culminating in a meeting in April, 2004 at Harrigan Centennial Hall, to which roughly 25 Sitkans representing differing perspectives on the industry were invited. This informal group decided that there was definite interest in continuing discussions about planning for the future; however, there were two reasons to hold off until fall.

The first was that most participants work in the visitor industry, and were gearing up for the busy summer season. The group agreed to reconvene in fall, and to invite more participants from that point on. The second reason was that there were many questions for which answers were needed, in order to make for more informed and fruitful conversations down the road. To help answer some of these questions, Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) offered to the group the summer intern SCS was soon to have available.

Sitka Conservation Society had applied for funding from the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) to be able to host an intern in summer, 2004. The original proposal to ACF was for the intern to do outreach to tourists for SCS on behalf of their wilderness conservation goals; however, at the April meeting, SCS decided to rewrite the intern’s workplan so as to make her available entirely to the group that soon became the “Sitka Tourism Development Advisory Council.”

In late May, Sarah Campen arrived and, through discussions with the Advisory Council, concluded that the most effective way to answer questions posed by the Council in previous meetings was to conduct a statistical survey of Sitkans. The survey was then designed primarily to sample Sitkan perspectives on whether they feel there is a need for long-range planning for the visitor industry, though questions were also asked about quality of life indices, and more. The survey was conducted over summer, and the final report of its findings is now available on this website. ( Survey Report )

The name “Sitka Tourism Development Advisory Council” was deemed inappropriate, and was recently changed to the “Sitka Visitor Industry Study Group.” The sole intent of the survey was to provide to the Study Group the background information it felt was necessary to allow more effective conversations when the group reconvenes this fall.

The Sitka Visitor Industry Study Group is being chaired on an interim basis by Mim McConnell; however, the Study Group continues to invite participation by all members of the public and interested organizations. With participation by a wide diversity of perspectives, an appropriate process for beginning a long range planning effort can be determined. Who would lead the planning process, and where it might go, remain to be seen. We encourage your involvement. Please take the time to read this summary of the results of Sarah’s work and decide for yourself if you feel that it can be of use as Sitka moves forward with our common goal of presenting Sitka’s best face to our visitors.

Sincerely,

Mim McConnell
Cleo Brylinsky
Sitka Visitor Industry Study Group

Please click on the survey link to open the .pdf file of the survey report, as presented by Sarah Campen to the general public on August 19th, 2004.