2026 Outlook
Coming out of Visit Anchorage's 50th anniversary in 2025 was a natural inflection point. It is an inflection point to consider the work of tourism and travel marketing and promotion specifically, ask what matters most, recognize what tourism does for not just the local visitor industry, but for the community as a whole.
All in on Winter
Anchorage has much to offer in terms of year-round and season-specifc travel product, and the allure of snow, culture and auroras remains high. Featuring winter keeps the community vibrant in all seasons. It also presents an opportunity for travelers to “skip the line” and enjoy the place when it’s a bit quieter and they can more meaningfully interact with locals and our place. Visit Anchorage has put the force of its promotions into winter, helping spread the word about Rondy, Iditarod, and the Tour of Anchorage, featuring northern lights tours or fat tire biking, skiing and skating, and helping fund the mushing district.
20% of Anchorage's out-of-state visitors already come between October 1 and end of April. Heyi Days, which Visit Anchorage launched in 2024, is gaining momentum, pushing the opportunities for markets, culture and outdoor adventures between the end of November and the start of January; growth isn’t concentrated just toward the end of winter.
A Community Partner
Visit Anchorage is a partner in long range planning for everything from wayfinding and trails to Indigenous placemaking efforts and more. That contribution is leveled up starting in 2026, as the new Tourism Improvement Projects channels a portion of the hotel taxes dedicated to tourism promotions to support other programs and projects. The intent is to use these funds in a way that brings benefits for residents and the visitor industry alike. During this first year, the newly-created Tourism Improvement Projects (TIPs) fund will help stabilize the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and support public safety through enhanced foot patrols this year. Both of these are community needs that affect our industry and that we heard about regularly from members this year. In total, $1.6 million from tourism taxes directly funding city services and projects in 2026.
Continued Macro-level Uncertainty
Locally, there's a mix of business confidence in the industry, with about a third expecting year-over-year growth, a third anticipating decline in their business, and a third expecting flat returns. At a national level, travel may contend with softening consumer demand and more price sensitivity. Likely American travelers are still eager to travel, with 55% placing travel as a top priority, however intent is down sharply from the year prior.
For international travel, there continues to be concern in visiting the U.S. in the near term, despite upcoming events including the World Cup and America 250. Anchorage usually sees approximately 15% of its visitation from international travelers. Air service to Canada and Germany remains in place for 2026.
Early indicators
Anchorage will see new air service and increased seat capacity in 2026, with new nonstops to Boise, Spokane, Boston, and Denver adding to service. Southcentral cruise capacity also increases to 526,000, and expected increase of 10%-15%. And the community is investing in itself, with work planned to renovate and renew local parks, add trail connections, and many other projects.
Visit Anchorage Financials
2024 Balance Sheet
Net Assets
Balance Forward: $15,658,448
Restricted Investments: $101,891
Net Capital Assets: $2,717,889.89
Current Liabilities: $1,334,252
Total Assets: $15,937,024
