Thanks to those who helped us with our survey. The purpose again is to get the pulse of our industry at different times during this pandemic and to be able to communicate the potential economic impacts that the Coronavirus is having on us. Only a couple of weeks ago, our first survey had some operators still in disbelief that this was going to have an impact on our businesses. Well, our current survey verifies that it has already impacted us in terms of cancellations for the upcoming season and if we don't get some economic relief many are skeptical whether they will be in business in 2021.

Survey Results

108 Respondents

Bookings

10% have no bookings this season, probably due to their decision not to open with all the uncertainty surrounding potential coronavirus actions this summer, with over 50% indicating they are experiencing between 25 and 50 percent cancellations.

Hiring

Over 70% plan to hire less employees this season.

Income Reliance

97% of respondents are "very" to "completely reliant" on charter business earnings.

Plans

Over 90% are taking a "wait and see" attitude and plan to operate if and when possible.

Permanently Shut Down

Only 13% of operators feel very confident they will be in business in 2021.

Some typical submitted written responses

"We have had several concerned customers, and so far have been able to push back their arrival dates to later in the season. We are waiting to see what travel restrictions will be in effect as we get closer to the start for season. If travel shuts down altogether, we may find ourselves in dire straits. So far, our regular local staff are expecting to return as usual ~ because we still have 2 months to go, but this may change too? Outside regular help want to return, but how will quarantine's affect their start date? Lots of unknowns."

"We have lost 100% of our May business for both charters and lodging due to COVID-19. Many of our June clients are ready to cancel, if needed, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. We have kindly asked them to wait it out a bit longer, in hopes that they can still come up. But, many are currently laid off of work until further notice, making Alaska vacations at this time, financially tight."

"Not knowing if there will be a season or not I do not know if I will have any employees. If things open up for travel in July I will need my normal 15 employees at this time. But I have only had cancelations so far into June. If i get more cancellations into July and August I would probably need less employees or not open up at all if it is not profitable. As of today I can not tell any employee when their start date is. I am operating on wait and see." 

Our next survey will be in two weeks. Please help us with your participation.