News Release

Anchorage, Alaska - (April 8, 2004)

Discounts for Visiting Friends and Relatives

For the fifth summer, the popular Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) program offered by the Anchorage Conventions & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is generating excitement for residents and visiting friends and relatives. The unique program offers discounts on accommodations, activities, attractions, restaurants, and shopping throughout Anchorage and beyond to Alaska residents with VFR's.

"We couldn't give out booklets fast enough at the Great Alaska Sportsman Show! We have already distributed more than 1,000 VFR booklets to Alaska residents," said Julie Saupe, ACVB Vice President of Community, Member & Visitor Relations.

To register and receive a VFR Passport booklet visit the Log Cabin or Downtown Visitor Information Center at 4th Avenue and F Street or the ACVB Visitor Information Center at the Microtel in Eagle River. 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, 2004.

"The VFR program is a way of helping local residents enjoy the activities, accommodations and restaurants that visitors do," said Saupe. "The visitor industry is the second largest industry in Alaska and has significant impact on the Anchorage economy with more than $500 million spent annually on food, lodging, entertainment, shopping and tours."

The Alaska visitor industry provides more than 30,700 jobs and employs one out of eight people and has an 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 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.

Contacts:

Erika Siegel, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

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