Sitka, an unified city - borough in the southeast portion of the U.S, state of Alaska near the capital Juneau, will see its residents to vote in a referendum whether to limit cruise traffic to its port.
The centre formerly known as "Novo - Arkhangelsk" New Archangel, was a Russian town until 18th Ocotber 1867 when a ceremony marked the transfer of power between the Russian and American administrations took place, following the purchase of the Alaskan territory by the United States.
The name Sitka means "People on the Outside of Baranof Island" directly linked to its geographical position, a centre highlighted by an incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, a favourite destination for fishing and hiking lovers, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage of its community will see its residents to vote in a referendum which will change or not the future of the largest centre by total area in the U.S.
The referendum is scheduled for 30th May 2025 and the residents will vote to decide whether to cap or not cruise passengers, in a destination that receives 4.500 cruisers a day and 300.000 per year.
According to data provided by Small Town Soul, an advocacy group promoting responsible management of tourism to restore the quality of life of the Alaskan centre, Sitka’s cruise traffic reached a high of 289.753 cruisers before the pandemic, in 2022 there was a notable increase, the number climbed to 383.000 passengers and in 2023 to 585.000.
Sitka’ s municipal clerk certified a petition for referendum from Small Town Soul four times before the last one was successful and after that, Sitka’s assembly discussed the ballot measures at a special meeting which took place on 18th March 2025.
If the limit cruise traffic will be approved would go into effect in 2026 and also port calls would be limited to six days per week.
Link - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Sitka-vote-limit-cruise-visitors
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