Juneau cruise visitor numbers have increased from about 1 million in 2016 to a projected 1.7 million in 2024. In 2018, Juneau businesses enjoyed the benefits of 1.15 million visitors.
No one mentioned then that the numbers were not high enough to ensure an adequate return of revenue to local merchants. No one claimed the ice rink and pools would have to close due to lack of sales tax revenue. No gripes were aired that college kids were not able to get summer jobs or tour operations were not getting enough customers.
A major whale watching owner told me back then that the 1.2 million visitors were too many. The business was beyond capacity. Nor did City and Borough of Juneau officials voice concern over those numbers of visitors being too few with regard to revenue from the cruise industry. In fact, in February 2018, even CLIA called the projected 200,000 passenger increase from 2017 to 2019 “precipitous.”
We were promised that one benefit to residents for the loss of our peaceful environment due to the increasing cruise ship visits is that increases in property taxes would not be needed. According to some Thane residents over the past five years, their taxes have skyrocketed…increasing over 30% last year. Empty promises. Now we are being told Juneau is not welcoming cruise ship visitors if we ask for one day a week for the community. I remember in 1997 when the cruise industry claimed ships would leave Juneau if a head tax was adopted on cruise visitors. Spoiler: they didn’t.
Vote yes on 2.
Tom Rutecki
Juneau