As we've matured as a tourist destination we've also come to understand the need to balance the economic benefits of the industry with the needs and concerns of the local population and environment. One of the first tourists to Southeast Alaska was the famous naturalist and writer, John Muir. As you all know, Muir was an adamant and eloquent advocate for the environment and was the founding force behind the Sierra Club. He understood the need to make nature accessible to all and was generally pleased that tourists were beginning to wander in the wilderness. Governor Ulmer speaks with Rev. Steve Olmsted, Chaplain at Lemon Creek Correctional Center and Parish Associate at Chapel by the Lake.
Tourism is a booming industry in Alaska.
Statewide, over 14,800 people are employed in the visitor industry with over 3,900 jobs in Southeast Alaska. In the summer of 1998 the increase in border crossings into the state by independent travelers was the largest since we started keeping track. Record numbers of visitors are expected to visit Southeast Alaska this year with over 540,000 cruise passengers expected. I am happy to share the wilderness and the scenic attractions with the people who come from far and wide. I commend the Forest Service for its commitment to making the Mendenhall Glacier a world class tourist attraction and keeping the local flavor of the area.