tional seasonality of tourism and allows amenities to be available for local residents as well. However, there are still concerns with how the economy and geopoli- tics will affect the new winter visitor industry. Many traveling to Alaska during this season are independent travelers who tend to make plans at the last minute and are influenced by changes in the economy. Also, new U.S. border policies may chill the attitudes among international visitors who are heavily represented in the winter market for Alaska. Overall, however, the allure of Alaska with its natural beau- ty, wildlife and outdoor recreation will always continue and the skill of Alaskans in ensuring comfortable facilities and safe and enjoyable ac - tivities will always strengthen the state’s economy.
with his Chena Hot Springs Resort east of Fairbanks, were active in ear- ly marketing of winter. For several years, there were fre- quent winter charter flights from Japan, China and South Korea timed to coincide with the aurora season. Northern Europeans have always shown strong interest in Alaska, both in winter and summer. While visits from China have dropped off, a likely effect of trade tensions, the winter visitor market is now more diversified and draw - ing from the Lower 48 U.S. states. Winter season tourism has now ex- panded into spring, a time when longer and brighter days with snow and more moderate temperatures are ideal conditions for winter outdoor recreation. The longer visitor season has helped local Fairbanks-area hotels and restaurants stay open year- around, which evens out of tradi-
Fairbanks data. For July, this was the first time that average rates for short-term rentals exceeded those for hotels and motels. For the Janu- ary-through-June period short-term rental rates rose 13% to $187 per day, on average, compared with $167. Despite concerns over the nation- al economy, the outlook for the up- coming winter visitor season looks promising, according to Explore Fairbanks. There is no firm data on advance bookings but anecdotal in- formation from local companies supporting winter visitors is that advance bookings are good. How- ever, it’s too early to know the final figures. The development of a vibrant winter season is a new phenomenon for the Interior. Because of its more northernly location, the region offers superior aurora viewing, which is the main attraction. Local hotel and lodge owners, such as Bernie Karl
— Tim Bradner
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Outdoor opportunities abound in Alaska’s Interior, even in the dead of winter, making it a one-of-a-kind travel destination.
continued. Hotel occupancy rates were down 3% to 84% of available capacity compared with 87% in July 2024. Short-term rental occupancy rates were similarly down 3% to 48% of available capacity. For the January through June period, short-term av- erage occupancy dropped from 37% in 2024 to 33% in 2025. Short-term building owners com- pensated for this by raising daily rates 17%, from $188 per day to $220 per day, according to the Explore
in air arrivals and departures, down 6% in March and 10% in May year- over-year. This changed in June with a 7% figure compared with the same month of 2024, a trend that contin- ued into July. Other data reflected the upturn in July. Alaska Railroad passengers showed a 10% increase for the peri- od, and visits to the Morris Thomp- son Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks saw a 2% increase in July. However, some downward trends from the spring and early summer
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according to Explore Fairbanks, the Interior’s visitor industry associa- tion. Air passengers arriving and de- parting at Fairbanks Internation- al Airport, an indicator for summer tourism, were up 3% over July 2024. For the January-through June pe- riod, arrivals and departures by air were up 1% on average, although March and May did see decreases
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