News Release
Deals for Visiting Friends and Relatives
Anchorage, Alaska – April 28, 2006 – Alaska residents searching for exceptional tips and travel ideas for entertaining out of town guests can look forward to improved benefits and added incentives by joining the popular Friends of Seymour Visiting Friends and Relatives (vfr) Club this year. The club, offered by the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), provides free exclusive discounts for accommodations, activities, attractions and restaurants. This year, for the first time, club members will receive monthly emails offering helpful travel planning tools and will be eligible for monthly prizes.
“So many of our visitors are enticed to Alaska by the stories and experiences of those that live here,” said Julie Saupe, ACVB’s vice president of community member & visitor relations. “This is really a chance for tourism businesses to say thanks to residents who get out and enjoy Alaska with their visitors.”
To sign up for the club, visit the Log Cabin or the Downtown Visitor Information Center at Fourth Avenue and F Street or join online by exploring www.Anchorage.net/Friends. Alaska residents may be asked to show their Alaska Driver’s License, military identification or Club card. The vfr program operates year round.
“The online aspect of this year’s program means that the discounts and specials will change often,” Saupe added. “We’re excited to bring a program to residents that will offer them something new each month and each season.”
The 2006 Friends of Seymour vfr Club is presented in partnership with Anchorage Market & Festival, an open-air market where local farmers and artisans sell goods each summer on weekends and on Wednesdays at the Northway Mall.
The Alaska visitor industry provides more than 30,700 jobs and has an economic impact of more than $949 million a year. Of those who work in the tourism industry, 78 percent are Alaska residents.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
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Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
