Tourism in Alaska is one of the state’s largest industries, drawing nearly 2 million visitors a year to see glaciers, wildlife, national parks and Native cultures. It is the second-largest private-sector employer in the state, accounting for about one in eight Alaskan jobs, and generates $2.42 billion in direct visitor spending. Nearly half of visitors arrive by cruise ship [1].
| Visitors | Nearly 2 million per year |
|---|---|
| Direct spending | $2.42 billion |
| Share of jobs | About one in eight |
| Cruise share | Nearly half of visitors |
| National park visits | About 2.6 million a year (24 units) |
| Cruise passenger tax | $34.50 per passenger per voyage |
| Nonresident fishing spending | About $652.5 million a year |
Scale of the Industry
Tourism is the second-largest private-sector employer in Alaska, accounting for about one in eight jobs. Nearly 2 million visitors come each year, and direct visitor spending, including labor income, is $2.42 billion [1].
How Visitors Arrive
Nearly half of visitors arrive by cruise ship, and the article lists ten cruise lines, including Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Others arrive by air through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, by road on the Alaska Highway or by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway [1].
Attractions
Main activities include sightseeing, whale watching, glacier viewing, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, rafting and fishing. Nonresident fishing alone generates about $652.5 million in annual spending [1]. Wildlife viewing is described in the entry on the wildlife of Alaska, and sport fishing in its own entry.
National Parks
The 24 National Park Service units in Alaska receive about 2.6 million visits a year and provide a $1.1 billion economic benefit [1].
Visitor Spending
In 2014–15, lodging, tours and activities, gifts and souvenirs, and food and beverage each made up about 18 to 20 percent of spending, with packages and transportation making up the remaining fifth [1].
Taxes
The state collects a $34.50 per-passenger, per-voyage excise tax on commercial passenger vessels and a 10 percent vehicle rental tax, and local sales and bed taxes also apply [1].
Getting Around
Visitors use the Alaska Railroad, the Alaska Marine Highway and small aircraft to reach destinations, as discussed in the entries on the Alaska Railroad and bush aviation in Alaska.
FAQs
How many tourists visit Alaska each year? Nearly 2 million.
How do most tourists arrive? Nearly half arrive by cruise ship.
How important is tourism to Alaska’s economy? It is the second-largest private-sector employer, with about one in eight jobs.
What are the top tourist activities? Sightseeing, whale watching, glacier viewing, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing.
How many national park units are in Alaska? Twenty-four, with about 2.6 million visits a year.
Sources
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Key facts
Quick checkAbout how many visitors come to Alaska each year?Show answer
Nearly 2 million
Sources
- Wikipedia. Tourism in Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue