Will ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ boost tourism in the 49th state?

Tourism is Alaska's second-largest industry, behind natural resource development and slightly ahead of the state's seafood industry, infusing nearly $2 Billion into the local economy annually. The more than 40,000 Alaskans whose livelihoods depend on tourism are hoping their most famous fellow citizen’s television show will attract Americans from the lower 48 to the land of the midnight sun:

In several new advertisements slated to run on cable stations through March, the Alaska Travel Industry Association includes scenes from “Sarah Palin’s Alaska.” The promoters also show segments from “Deadliest Catch,” “Ice-Road Truckers” and images of wildlife, icebergs, mountains, kayaking and fishing.

Kathy Dunn, the ATIA marketing director, told the Associated Press that any and all Alaska press benefits the state.

“Obviously, any time you put Alaska in front of people, no matter the context, it’s a good thing,” Dunn said. “Exposure is always good.”

Alaska's visitor numbers increased in 2010, and that growth is expected to continue in 2011.

- JP