When Tourism Thrives, So Does Manufacturing: Alaska’s Hidden Economic Chain Reaction

Every summer, Alaska becomes a magnet for travelers chasing midnight sun and bucket-list adventures. But behind every packed cruise ship, tour van, and roadside café lies an unseen story — one powered by Alaska’s manufacturers.

A recent article in Travel and Tour World called Alaska “the state poised to transform the U.S. travel economy.” That transformation doesn’t stop at tourism. It ripples outward — into logistics, packaging, food production, retail goods, and the small businesses that keep the state running year-round.

“Tourism isn’t separate from manufacturing — it’s one of our strongest demand drivers,” says AKMA Co-Founder Megan Militello. “Every visitor who buys an Alaska-made product or eats locally produced food is helping keep our manufacturing ecosystem alive.”

From Tourists to Supply Chains

The math is simple: more visitors = more demand.But what that means in practice is complex — and it’s where local production matters most.

When Alaska hosts millions of visitors each year, it’s not just hotels and tour companies that benefit. It’s:

• Food manufacturers supplying restaurants, lodges, and cruise lines.

• Packaging producers creating sustainable containers for to-go and retail.

• Gift and product makers turning Alaska-grown, harvested, or handmade goods into souvenirs and wholesale lines.

• Logistics companies shipping everything from seafood to soaps efficiently across the state.

Tourism strengthens the argument for building local supply chains — not just for pride, but for profit and resilience.

“The more we can make and package in-state, the more value we keep here,” says AKMA Co-Founder Lacey Ernandes. “Tourism is the proof that Alaska-made products can scale — people want to take a piece of Alaska home.”

Why It Matters

Alaska’s tourism industry is projected to keep expanding over the next decade, driven by new routes, longer seasons, and growing international interest. That growth creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for small manufacturers.

The challenge? Supply chain reliability and cost.

Most Alaska-made producers still rely on imported packaging, out-of-state co-packers, or Lower 48 suppliers — gaps that cost time and money.

Tourism growth gives manufacturers a reason — and a revenue base — to build those capabilities locally. Whether that means scaling small food brands, investing in better freight networks, or collaborating on bulk packaging orders, the opportunity is clear: the “visitor economy” can fund the infrastructure Alaska needs to grow its manufacturing base.

The Takeaway

Tourism isn’t just about visitors — it’s about visibility. Every traveler who leaves with a jar, a shirt, or a story made in Alaska becomes an ambassador for what’s possible here.

Manufacturers, suppliers, and makers are the quiet backbone of that experience. As Alaska’s visitor economy expands, so does the chance to anchor those dollars in-state — by making more of what people come here to experience.

Get Involved

If you’re an Alaska manufacturer, maker, or supplier working with — or hoping to work with — the tourism industry, AKMA wants to hear from you. We’re collecting stories and exploring partnerships to help local production meet growing demand in Alaska’s visitor economy.

📩 Share your story: connect@akmfg.org📍 Join AKMA: akmfg.org/memberships

“When we connect Alaska’s tourism boom to our manufacturing potential, we’re not just fueling travel — we’re fueling Alaska’s future.”

📖 Source: Travel and Tour World (Oct 2025), “Alaska Tourism: Why the Last Frontier Is Set to Transform Travel Economy in the United States.”Read the full article →