Scenarios analysis of the geotourism business model in King Salmon, Alaska

Abstract

Alaska’s tourist industry is currently involved in an evolution to make it more responsive to the “international” tourist. To address this opportunity, this project introduces a novel approach to apply for the first time in Alaska the “Geotourism business model” in King Salmon Alaska, by an international tour operator business. The insights gained will give us the chance to relate academic approaches as a practical application, and then analyze the results prior to undertaking the actual investment of real dollars and limited time and when such an endeavor might be feasible. The resulting research shows that King Salmon, Alaska could become in 10 years a viable Geotourism destination in Alaska. Opening a Geotourism tour operator agency, following this step-by-step approach has the potential for both profit and community growth of King Salmon. Alternatively, if no efforts are made to increase the economic base of King Salmon, the area population will continue to decline.