Friday, July 12, 2024 – Are the economic benefits of tourism worth it?

Native America Calling

Tourism is big money for many tribes and individual entrepreneurs. But it also has the potential to diminish people’s quality of life. Residents in Juneau, Alaska are considering a limit on the dozens of cruise ships that unload thousands of visitors there every summer. Among other things, critics say the steady stream of outsiders detracts from what they enjoy about living there. Some tribes have closed off tourist attractions altogether. We’ll find out about “overtourism” and ways to avoid it.

GUESTS

Sherry Rupert (Paiute and Washoe), CEO of American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)

Joe Nelson (Tlingit), chair of Sealaska Corporation and co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN)

Cory Mann (citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska), business owner in Juneau, Alaska

Ilihia Gionson (Native Hawaiian), public affairs officer for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

Break 1 Music: Traveling Song (song) Judy Trejo (artist) Circle Dance Songs of the Paiute and Shoshone (album)

Break 2 Music: In the River: A Protest Song (song) Raye Zaragoza (artist)