AGP Executive Report

Cruise Planning: Princess Cruises opened sales for its 2028 Alaska season with 185 departures across 14 itineraries on eight ships, including Star Princess, plus sailings from Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier), San Francisco and Los Angeles and frequent calls at Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Travel Safety: The Dalton Highway and other Central Brooks Range routes saw a late-July winter weather advisory with snow and light ice—reminding drivers that the real danger can be what comes after the storm. Loyalty Scam Alert: A new warning highlights how reward-point scams often start with fake airline or hotel texts/emails and can drain accounts if you click and enter login details. Air Access: Alaska Airlines announced nonstop service between Los Angeles and La Paz, boosting options for nature-focused Baja travel via its West Coast network. On-the-Ground Alaska: Anchorage’s Music Machine is gearing up for its summer run with 70+ young performers, ages 3 and up, readying for shows at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Cruise Health Watch: CDC reports a fourth stomach-illness outbreak in two months aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird, with 13 cases logged.

ATM Access for Alaskans: Credit Union 1 is expanding its NCR Atleos ATM branding at 24 Circle K locations across Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and the Kenai Peninsula, rolling out in July–August. Cruise Health Alert: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird is dealing with its fourth GI outbreak in two months; the CDC reports 13 cases (8 passengers, 5 crew) on a July 15–20 voyage, with norovirus identified and more cleaning and isolation underway. Juneau Shore Power Milestone: Princess Cruises marks 25 years of shore power in Juneau, continuing a partnership that lets ships plug into the hydroelectric grid and cut emissions while supporting local community credits. Road Safety: Two separate Alaska crashes are in the headlines—one fatal Sterling Highway collision near mile 62 (one dead, two injured) and a Fairbanks motorcyclist death at Geist and Loftus. Local Transit Updates: Juneau schools are adjusting bus routes and schedules for the upcoming year, with a finalized plan expected by Aug. 7. Legislature Watch: Alaska’s third 2026 gasline special session opened with no bill ready, leaving little optimism as lawmakers wait for a new path forward.

Cruise & Clean Energy in Juneau: Princess Cruises marked 25 years of shore power leadership in Juneau, first connecting ships to the city’s hydroelectric grid in 2001—now a model used at 41 ports worldwide, cutting emissions and letting engines shut off while docked. Mobile Connectivity for Travelers: GCI expanded LTE and 5G across Alaska’s Parks, Glenn and Richardson highways, with stronger coverage toward Denali, Valdez and Fairbanks plus added 5G in Portage, Cooper Landing and Hope. Local Lodging Rules: Anchorage extended the grace period for short-term rental owners to register through the city’s free portal before fines begin July 31, easing pressure on hosts during peak summer. Road Safety Tragedies: A fatal Sterling Highway crash near mile 62 killed former Anchorage Assembly member Karen Bronga; troopers also reported a separate deadly motorcycle crash in Fairbanks at Geist and Loftus roads. Family Fun in Valdez: The Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby drew 300+ young anglers to Allison Point, with prizes and a kids broadcasting camp. Wild Alaska Getaway: Lake Clark’s remote, floatplane-only hidden lake is highlighted as a virtually untouched destination for rugged backcountry travelers.

Anchorage Travel & Safety: A group of travelers set up camp in Anchorage Park, and city officials say they’re moving to remove them after a section 77 notice and court order process. Wildlife & Outdoors: Fairbanks North Star Borough approved a 40-acre land sale to the Arctic Audubon Society to expand the Audubon Riedel Nature Reserve, keeping the area open for trails and recreation. Cruise Health: A National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise reported its fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak in under two months, with cases on a sailing that’s currently operating in Alaska. Local Heritage & Tourism: Anchorage’s Historic Preservation Commission warns the Safer Seward Highway project could irreversibly harm cultural and historic settings along Turnagain Arm. Juneau Culture: Alaskan Brewing Co. marks its 40th anniversary operating in Juneau. Travel Planning: Alaska Airlines adds a seasonal route from Portland to Colorado, signaling more options for visitors heading into peak season.

Anchorage Road Impact: The Anchorage Historic Preservation Commission warns the $1.5B Safer Seward Highway plan could “irreversibly” damage historic and cultural areas along Turnagain Arm, citing risks from blasting, earthwork, and increased pedestrian traffic. Wildlife Safety: A woman was attacked by a brown bear on a trail above Bear Valley in Anchorage; she survived and is recovering, with responders using a drone to help move hikers and dogs to safety. Cruise Health Watch: A cruise ship reported its fourth stomach-illness outbreak of the year after a recent stop in Juneau, adding to ongoing visitor-health concerns for Alaska sailings. Airfare Pressure: Jet fuel spikes are forcing U.S. airlines to revise earnings forecasts, a reminder that travel costs can swing fast—relevant for Alaska routes and summer demand. Travel Inspiration: A climate documentary, “Cresta Alta,” brings glacial-change stories to local communities, featuring backpacking expeditions across Alaska and beyond. Policy & Voting: Alaska’s SAVE Act debate continues as national coverage spotlights Murkowski’s stance on voter ID and election rules.

Air Travel Disruption: Delta Air Lines is cutting three newly launched JFK routes—Houston, Memphis and St. Louis—shifting service to LaGuardia, leaving JetBlue as the only JFK carrier on one route. Wildlife & Trail Safety: Western toad migrations are underway on Vancouver Island, with trail closures and park warnings urging hikers and bikers to slow down and watch for toads. Alaska Air Passenger Rights: An Alaska Airlines document-check glitch denied boarding twice to a Swiss family with valid U.S. green cards, highlighting gaps in federal denied-boarding protections when flights aren’t oversold. Road & Outdoor Hazards: A head-on Sterling Highway crash near Cooper Landing killed an Anchorage woman and shut the highway for nearly eight hours; separately, a brown bear attacked a woman hiking above Anchorage’s Bear Valley, with responders using a drone to help evacuate. Cruise & Alaska Interest: Disney Cruise Line signed a 15-year deal for Icy Strait Point, signaling long-term demand for Alaska sailings. Wildfire Tech Trials: Autonomous drones are being tested in California and Alaska to spot new ignitions and drop suppression materials early.

Hidden Beach Alert (Seward): Skip crowded Homer Spit for Tonsina Beach (Tonsina Point) near Kenai Fjords—reach it via the Tonsina Creek Trail for a quieter shoreline with big wildlife odds, from bald eagles and seabirds to bears and marine life. Wildfire Tech in Alaska: Fire officials are testing autonomous drones in Alaska and California to spot new ignitions fast and drop water or retardant before small flare-ups grow. Bear Safety on Trails (Anchorage): A woman was attacked by a brown bear on a trail above Bear Valley with three dogs; she’s recovering and responders used a drone to monitor the bear. Alaska Sports Milestone: Cook Inlet Soccer Club U17 girls won Alaska’s first-ever U.S. Youth Soccer national championship in Tennessee. Cruise/Glacier Travel Buzz: A standout Dawes Glacier day on Star Princess highlights the “last frontier” pull of Alaska cruising. Voter-Access Debate (Murkowski/SAVE Act): A fresh Alaska-themed Q&A and commentary keep the SAVE America Act and election ID rules in the spotlight.

Alaska Marine Highway & Southeast Access: A Prince Rupert city update says talks with Alaska officials are continuing to restore the ferry link that supports families and tourism, though Alaska has cited vessel availability, maintenance, and crew shortages. Southeast Route Debate: A Wrangell Sentinel editorial argues the Alaska Marine Highway should replace the Bellingham route with a British Columbia road connection, with one reader proposing Hyder instead of Prince Rupert to better connect to BC highways and avoid Dixon Entrance. Juneau Transit Feedback Deadline: Juneau residents have until Sunday to share input on Capital Transit and other options, with cruise-driven crowding leaving hundreds of riders behind at stops in 2023. Mat-Su Sales Tax Vote: The Mat-Su Borough advanced a 1% areawide sales tax to the November ballot, tied to a primary residence property tax exemption, as supporters say it targets visitors while opponents warn about funding impacts. Road Update: The northbound Glenn Highway Peters Creek bridge is set to reopen Friday night after a 96-day closure, ending the detour. Gas Prices: The national average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with Alaska listed among higher-priced states. Cruise Health Watch: A Juneau cruise ship reported its fourth stomach-illness outbreak this year after a recent stop.

Alaska Travel Disruptions: A “major vehicle collision” shut down the Sterling Highway near Skilak Lake (milepost 62) with both directions expected to stay closed for hours, and drivers are urged to use Skilak Lake Road as an alternative. Road Work Update: The Glenn Highway Peters Creek bridge span is set to reopen Friday night after a 96-day closure, ending a detour and completing a $22 million rehabilitation. Juneau Transit Feedback: Residents have until Sunday to share input on Juneau’s public transportation needs, with the city citing cruise-driven crowding that has left nearly 400 people behind at bus stops in 2023. Cruise Tourism Deal: Disney Cruise Line signed a 15-year agreement with Huna Totem for preferred weekly calls at Icy Strait Point through 2041, aiming to keep Alaska Native-owned tourism strong in Hoonah. Ferry Push: Prince Rupert officials say they’re renewing efforts to restore Alaska Marine Highway service, calling it vital for tourism and healthcare access. Wildlife Safety: Alaska travelers are reminded to stay cautious around bears and other wildlife as hiking incidents continue to make headlines. Airfare Pressure: Jet fuel costs are rising again, and airlines are warning fares may follow.

Cruise Partnerships: Disney Cruise Line locked in a 15-year agreement with Huna Totem for Icy Strait Point, extending Disney ship calls through at least 2041 and boosting long-term predictability for jobs in Hoonah. Air Travel Costs: AAA says the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, while new reporting ties higher jet fuel prices to looming airfare increases—an issue that’s already forcing airlines to revise 2026 outlooks. Alaska Air Route News: Alaska Airlines added a seasonal nonstop from Portland to Steamboat Springs, starting in February and running through late March. Wildlife Safety: A woman was injured in a brown bear attack while hiking in Alaska’s Bear Valley area, with responders using drones to keep rescuers safe. Cruise Health Watch: CDC reported a fourth gastrointestinal outbreak aboard Lindblad’s National Geographic Sea Bird, including one voyage where nearly a third of people got sick. Connectivity in the Bush: GCI expanded LTE/5G coverage along major Alaska travel corridors, including the Parks, Glenn and Richardson highways.

Bear Safety in Anchorage: A woman was injured in a brown bear attack while hiking near Bear Valley (Kenai Terrace Road/Brewsters Drive). Police and Fish & Game monitored the area with drones during the rescue, and the injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Cruise Health Watch (Southeast Alaska): The National Geographic Sea Bird, a Lindblad Expeditions ship, reported its fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak since late May, with 32 people sick across two recent voyages that included a Juneau stop on July 15. Polar Travel Demand: Expedition Cruise Network data says Arctic/Antarctic passenger demand jumped in 2025, driven by remote-destination interest and media attention—plus new 2025 rules in places like Svalbard. Alaska Connectivity Upgrade: GCI expanded LTE/5G coverage and improved mobile data performance along major Alaska travel corridors, including the Parks, Glenn and Richardson highways, and areas around Turnagain Arm, Portage, Cooper Landing and Hope. Cruise Destination Deal (Icy Strait Point): Disney Cruise Line signed a 15-year agreement for Icy Strait Point calls, while a separate Juneau dock plan for Áak’w Landing was scaled back due to rising steel costs.

Bear Safety in Anchorage: A woman was hospitalized after a brown bear attacked her on a narrow, switch-backed trail near Bear Valley with three dogs; authorities used a drone to monitor the bear and reported injuries were non-life-threatening. Wildlife Tourism Growth: Kodiak businesses are expanding as wildlife viewing demand rises, including a new “Kodiak Bear Bus” that times trips around tides for bear-spotting. Local Events: Fairbanks’ Golden Days celebration on Saturday—theme “Stars, Stripes and Golden Strikes” for the 250th anniversary—features a Grande Parade, downtown street fair, and Chena River rubber ducky race, with an expected 10,000 visitors. Aviation & Travel Costs: Airlines including American and Southwest cut 2026 earnings outlooks again as jet fuel prices surge, adding pressure for travelers and carriers. Alaska Air Service Upgrade: Alaska Airlines’ plan to strengthen Hawaiian Neighbor Island routes with Boeing 737-800s adds more First Class and Premium seats plus Starlink Wi-Fi. Cruise Demand Snapshot: A survey finds Alaska is a top cruise draw (14% of bookings), while the Caribbean and Bahamas lead overall.

Arctic Shipping Delays: Two ships headed for the Northwest Passage are stuck in Nome as thick Chukchi and Beaufort Sea ice holds them up, though an open-water path from the Bering Strait toward Utqiagvik has started to form. Air Travel Disruption: Volcanic ash from Russia’s Shiveluch eruption triggered flight cancellations and delays across Alaska, including Alaska Airlines canceling 10 flights statewide. King Cove Road Milestone: U.S. senators and Rep. Nick Begich praised U.S. Army Corps approval of a permit for the life-saving one-lane gravel connector between King Cove and Cold Bay. Anchorage Politics: The Anchorage Assembly censured member George Martinez over campaign finance violations tied to a Florida trip, while debate continues over whether to pursue further investigations. Cruise & Port News: Disney Cruise Line signed a 15-year deal for preferential access at Icy Strait Point, keeping Disney calls there through at least 2041. Wildlife Safety: A woman was injured by a brown bear on a Bear Valley trail in Anchorage; responders used drones to monitor the animal. Alaska Airlines Update: Alaska Air Group reported improved guest satisfaction and said its Q2 integration work is boosting reliability, even as fuel costs remain a pressure point. Tourism Policy: Alaska House advanced a bill to phase out single-use polystyrene foam food service ware, moving next to the Senate.

Wildlife Safety Spotlight: A grizzly bear encounter in Alaska has hikers and rangers reminding visitors to stay calm and follow protocols after a viral close call. Katmai Tourism Buzz: A Katmai National Park livestream clip shows dozens of bears fishing the same river spot at Brooks Falls, fueling more wildlife-watch interest. Air Travel Update (Alaska): Alaska Air Group reported a Q2 loss despite 10% revenue growth, blaming a fuel spike while pointing to improving trends and stronger third-quarter expectations. Hawaii Interisland Upgrade: Alaska Airlines plans to replace Hawaiian’s 717s with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800s starting in 2028, adding more premium seats and free Starlink Wi‑Fi. Cargo Growth: Alaska Airlines will add four leased 737-800 converted freighters in 2027 to nearly double freighter capacity, boosting Hawaii-based cargo operations. Cruise Industry Note: Consumer Reports says Holland America’s Oosterdam is among the better-value cruise picks, with strong scores on service, food, and excursions. Destination Marketing: Destinations International honored 33 organizations with DMAP accreditation, highlighting governance and community leadership in tourism. Legal Travel Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an Alaska bush pilot case over forfeiture after a passenger’s beer was found.

Air Travel & Routes: Alaska Airlines is upgrading its Hawaii interisland fleet, moving from Hawaiian’s 717s to Boeing 737-800s with free Starlink Wi‑Fi and more premium seats, with the phased transition expected to start in 2028. Airline Finances: Alaska Air forecast third-quarter profit below Wall Street as renewed U.S.-Iran fighting pushed jet fuel higher. Wildlife Safety: A woman hiking near Chugach State Park in south Anchorage was injured in a brown bear encounter; officials say the group was on an unofficial trail with poor visibility, and drones were used during the rescue. Tourism Community Support: Ketchikan Indian Community launched $25 care packages for the unhoused, with proceeds supporting a new 28-unit supportive housing project opening next month. Cruise Watch: A recurring debate flared again over kids in adults-only cruise areas, with passengers citing weak enforcement on Alaska itineraries. Local Energy Training: Nome will host a free solar installation course in August, aiming to build local skills for solar projects on public facilities. Fisheries Policy: More than 5,000 Alaskans urged Rep. Nick Begich to ban bottom trawling in federal waters, citing bycatch impacts on salmon and other species. Bear-Related Tourism Caution: Alaska’s grizzly/brown bear encounters continue to draw attention as summer hiking ramps up.

Bear Safety on the Trail: A woman was injured in a brown bear attack while hiking near Anchorage’s Bear Valley with a friend and three dogs; authorities say high winds and low visibility may have contributed, and she’s expected to recover. More Bear Encounters: Another bear attack was reported on a separate Alaska hiking incident, underscoring how quickly trail conditions can turn. Bush Pilot Legal Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review a case involving an Alaska bush pilot facing airplane forfeiture after a passenger packed Budweiser in luggage—an alcohol ban dispute that’s been tied up for years. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says a minor geomagnetic storm could boost aurora visibility Tuesday night into Wednesday, with Alaska among the best bets. Southeast Hiking Planning: A new Southeast Alaska day-hiking guidebook spotlights Wrangell trails, including easy-access options like Volunteer Park, with bear-aware dog rules. Rural Fuel Pressure: Western Alaska villages are feeling the squeeze from rising fuel prices, with elders describing the steep costs of heating and gas deliveries. Cruise & Travel Notes: Seabourn marks its 40th anniversary with the Ruby Collection of 54 voyages in 2028, including Alaska sailings, while a new survey ranks airlines by onboard food and drinks.