News Release
Anchorage Receives High Rankings as a Travel Destination
Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 11, 2006 – In 2006, Anchorage, Alaska, has been ranked as a top destination for travelers in a variety of categories – from top fishing to top trails, Anchorage gets high marks.
In May 2006, Orbitz, a leading online travel company, released its seventh edition of The Orbitz Insider Index, helping travelers plan the perfect summer city getaway by listing the most popular U.S. and international city destinations. Anchorage was ranked ninth, beating out Boston, with Orlando ranked number one. The list was based on the number of air bookings made on Orbitz.com for travel from June 1 – Aug. 31, 2006 as of March 26, 2006.
Anchorage was also listed as number nine in the VirtualTourist Up-and-Comers Index by VirtualTourist.com, one of the largest online travel research sites / travel communities in the world. The rankings are based on increases in travel research conducted and travel forum questions posted on VirtualTourist.com from January – May 2006. New Orleans came in first, with Mount Rainier National Park in 10th behind Anchorage.
Earlier this year, Anchorage, Alaska, was voted number eight in a list of the top 10 walking cities in the United States by “Prevention” magazine, in a joint study with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The study ranked the country’s 100 most populous cities based on a variety of criteria including: the percentage of people who walk regularly – for exercise and to get to and from work, the number of residents and their use of mass transit, and walker-friendly attributes such as low crime rates, mild year-round temperatures, the number of cultural attractions, participation in recreational sports and pet ownership.
“Field & Stream” magazine’s 2006 list of America’s top 20 best fishing cities notes Anchorage as an angler’s hotspot. With easily accessed lakes, rivers, streams and saltwater, Anchorage, Alaska, was ranked number 10 in the country, beating out big names like Boston and San Francisco, and marking it as a truly special fishing destination. Questions that “Field & Stream” considered when ranking the cities included: “If you could switch jobs, would you consider moving there, to increase your fishing options? Would you plan a visit there, specifically to fish? Or, at the least, would you throw a rod and reel into your luggage before a business trip, in case you happened to find a little free time?”
It’s no surprise that Anchorage, Alaska, is a top vacation spot–with the combined vibrancy of a bustling city and natural beauty, Anchorage offers opportunities for adventure around every corner. Nestled between six mountain ranges and Cook Inlet, and bordering Chugach State Park, Anchorage can claim what many cities are lacking – accessibility to fishing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and a whole host of other activities, with the option to enjoy first-class restaurants and lodging. With many direct flights from across the country, Anchorage is a perfect destination for those who want an escape from the ordinary.
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 Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center 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
