Letters from the MAYORS

After two years of challenging conditions, the Fairbanks tourism market is on target to fully recover and surpass pre-pandemic levels. These efforts are due to the outstanding efforts of the Explore Fairbanks team. Explore Fairbanks is recognized throughout the community and state as being champions for the visitor industry and the reasons are evident; innovative marketing strategies, creative programs, strategic partnerships and a strong vision are clearly communicated and acted upon to grow our community. Thank you Explore Fairbanks!

Bryce J. Ward, Mayor Fairbanks North Star Borough

The City of Fairbanks continues to be amazed at the great contributions to our community from Explore Fairbanks! While tourism all over the world took a hit the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedicated staff at Explore Fairbanks kept their drive up and didn’t miss a beat in preparing travelers to get back to our great City! One way they did this was through their incredible social media presence! The visitors are now back and we are so pleased to see them exploring our area again.

Explore Fairbanks is accomplishing their mission as an economic driver in Fairbanks and businesses in the local tourism industry are so grateful for their hard work. In addition to supporting the tourism industry, Explore Fairbanks has continually supported other areas of the Fairbanks community. Through the Newcomer Tours to welcome new military, “positive picketing” to support local health care workers, raising money for non-profits through the Visitor Industry Walk for Charity and other efforts, Explore Fairbanks has proven themselves to be a true community partner. I find I continue to feel blessed to work with Explore Fairbanks and I know that we have many, many more record-breaking tourism seasons ahead! Thank you, Explore Fairbanks!

Jim Matherly, Mayor City of Fairbanks

Explore Fairbanks has continued to do an excellent job of navigating and responding to the shifting travel marketplace over the last two years. Their work continuing to market to independent travelers as well as media, travel agents, tour operators and others has contributed significantly to record-setting hotel/motel tax collections in 2021. This resulted in North Pole exceeding $100,000 in bed tax revenue for the first time. The City of North Pole is proud to continue partnering with Explore Fairbanks in their efforts to attract visitors to our area.

Michael Welch, Mayor City of North Pole