Chart 5-25 Haines Event Visitors, 2008-2011
Despite receiving few cruise ships in port, Haines benefits from the Skagway cruise ship port of call because Haines businesses and the HCVB worked to develop opportunities for cruise passengers to visit Haines during their stay in Skagway. In 2011, approximately 28,500 cruise ship passengers visited Haines via fast day ferry between Skagway and Haines to do day excursions in Haines. These visitors spent an average of $135 per person in Haines during their stay in 2011, or $3.8 million (2011 Haines Cruise and Fast Ferry Passenger Survey, McDowell Group). Dependable fast day boat runs between these communities is essential to capture this business. The Haines Borough’s Convention and Visitor Bureau has partnered with community organizations and businesses to actively create destination events and market them. The Haines Chamber of Commerce’s annual events calendar lists a number of activities that attract nearly 15,000 independent visitors annually (Chart 5-25). The largest of these is the multi-day Southeast Alaska State Fair that features live music, food, arts and crafts, farm animals, and amusement rides. In 2011, this event attracted 11,500 people. The next largest event is the 148 mile Kluane Chilkat International Bike Race in June, popular with local, Juneau and Whitehorse residents. Chart 5-25 Haines Event Visitors, 2008-2011 15,000 12,500 10,000 7,500 5,000 2,500 - 2008 2009 2010 2011 SE Fair Spring Fling 187 187 187 187 Eagle Festival 271 266 Alaska Brew Fest 665 683 953 1,009 Kluane Bike Race 1,200 1,041 1,282 1,223 SE State Fair 10,000 10,000 11,000 11,500 HAINES BOROUGH 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN / September 2012 page 92 The opportunities for recreation related tourism are deep in the community with access to so many varied outdoor settings.
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