Washingtonians acted quickly to news the federal government had passed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act on May 20, allowing for summer and early fall voyages between Seattle and Alaska.
- Travel agent bookings for Alaska cruises, departing this summer, increased 1600% the week of May 23rd, compared to the previous week!
- These customers sail in July, August and September of 2021. Prior to the pandemic, the bulk of these summer bookings were typically made in January.
- From May 20 – June 3, Seattle regained its ranking as the #1 destination booked online by AAA Washington clients for hotels, car rentals and flights. During the pandemic, Spokane had claimed the top spot. This new trend indicates that Washingtonians are resuming tourism in the big city.
- While May 2021 travel merchandise sales are still below those of May 2019, some purchases are indicating the popularity of a 2021 summer road trip. Of all travel books sold in May, 85% were for AAA’s Road Atlas’ and recreation atlas’, which list the best campsites, RV parks and fishing spots.
