| | | |

NEWS RELEASE

Anchorage, Alaska – June 12, 2003

DISCOUNTS FOR VISITING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

Summer 2003 marks the fourth year of the popular Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) program offered by the Anchorage Conventions & Visitors Bureau (ACVB). The unique program offers discounts on accommodations, activities, attractions, restaurants and shopping throughout the Anchorage bowl and beyond to Alaska residents with VFR’s.

To register and receive a VFR Passport booklet visit the Log Cabin or Downtown Visitor Information Center at 4th Avenue and F Street. To register for the VFR Passport booklet, Alaska residents need to show their Alaska Driver’s License or military identification. The VFR program runs through December 31, 2003.

“The visitor industry has significant impact on the Anchorage economy with more than $500 million spent annually on food, lodging, entertainment, shopping and tours,” said Julie Saupe, director of ACVB community member visitor relations. Tourism is the second largest private industry in Alaska with a statewide economic impact of more than $949 million a year. The Alaska visitor industry provides more than 30,700 jobs and employs one out of eight people. 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 half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

Julie Saupe, Director of Community Member and Visitor Relations
(907) 257-2323
jsaupe@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net