No "Palin effect" (on toursim to Alaska)

[question everything]

From the WSJ:

Travelers hunting for the biggest vacation bargains should look north, to America's last frontier.

In a travel industry rife with discounts, it's hard to beat the ones coming out of Alaska this year. Princess Cruises has a seven-day Alaskan cruise this spring for as little as $299 a person, more than 30% off last year's comparable rate. Camp Denali and North Face Lodge, two wilderness resorts in the Alaska Range, are offering 25% off rooms and cabins, which start at $1,425 a person for three nights, including meals, activities and use of fishing and other gear. Luxury cruise operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for small, all-suite ships and balconied cabins, is offering 50% off nearly all Alaska itineraries, plus throwing in free excursions, such as dry-suit snorkeling in Sitka or a rainforest bike tour in Skagway, and free airfare from 22 U.S. cities.

Some travel companies were expecting a strong season for Alaska after Gov. Sarah Palin's turn in the presidential-campaign spotlight; local tourism marketers were hoping that a "Palin effect," plus Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood in 2009, would lead to a big bump in tourism. But on the eve of the May-to-September peak tourism season, some hotels, cruise lines and tour operators in the state say reservations are down as much as 50% from last year.

:shrug:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124053310240050877.html (subscription)

[NYC Liberal]

1. I think there WAS a "Palin effect" - just not the one they wanted.

"reservations are down as much as 50% from last year"

[ColbertWatcher]

2. I'm sure there are some churches willing to "sacrifice" to change that number. n/t

[Raine]

3. I've never beent always wanted to go but

after Palin I'm not as interested. :-(

[Blue_In_AK]

7. Ignore her

She really has nothing to do with the natural beauty of the state.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

4. No mystery, people are hurting economically. Alaska is a long expensive way to go.

Of course tourism there would be down, way down.

[TheCowsCameHome]

5. Notice to WSJ - Call me after that crackpot is out of office. No BS.

I will not go until the crazywoman is gone.

I vote with my feet.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Sarah is irrelevant to a beautiful vacation in Alaska.

Actually, she's irrelevant to just about everything.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Agreed, we did the cruise shtick last year

and greatly enjoyed it

We even got to see a brown bear and cubs in Sitka, and plenty of American eagles

my fav was the comment from a tour guide, particularly wet day, eagles are on top of tree, drooping wings

She says this is particular to eagles to dry off

I turned to hubby, and laughed, she said what?

Either my three parrots are eagles or they missed the memo. They do that every time they get a shower.

At least theirs is warm, not barely above freezing.

[AnnieBW]

9. I'm waiting until she's out of office

I don't want to set foot in the state while she's Governor. Her witch-hunting pastor might get me.

[Union Yes]

10. Palin-Helpin Alaska melt.

The state should be designated a gigantic forest preserve.