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Informative Press Releases for Travel
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The following information is provided by the travel supplier or its public relations representative. The Traveler's Journal can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of any material in this section.
Alaska Travel Bulletin
07-05-2008
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| July 3, 2008 |
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In this July Travel News Bulletin you will find: 1. Denali LEEDs the way |
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Closed for renovations since 2004, Denali National Park's Eielson Visitor Center reopened to the public last month. The center's new design had one priority: a 'platinum' rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. In an effort to achieve the highest sustainable rating, architects and engineers introduced key design elements into the low-profile, earth-bermed building. Tundra was salvaged during construction to camouflage the roof deck; renewable energy sources and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and plumbing systems were used; and portions of the original center were recycled into the new structure. If the building is awarded the platinum rating, as anticipated, it will be the first in the National Park Service. The $9.2 million building features more than 7,400 square feet and includes large indoor and outdoor viewing areas, an indoor dining area and space for ranger presentations and exhibits. An interactive topographical map of Mount McKinley and a handcrafted fabric art piece by local Denali artist Ree Nancarrow are currently on display. The center's official dedication will be Aug. 12, and the building is open to the public through Sept. 15. The visitor center is located 66 miles from the park entrance, in the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve. For more information about visiting the park and Eielson Visitor Center, go to www.nps.gov/dena. Media information |
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Two communities that played a central role in Alaska statehood are commemorating that history through exhibitions in local museums this summer. Prior to the official statehood date of Jan. 3, 1959, the Alaska Constitutional Convention met in Fairbanks on the campus of the University of Alaska. The rationale for meeting on a university campus was to distance the framers from the influence of politicians and lobbyists in the state capital, and provide an academic environment conducive to the free flow of ideas. Thought by many scholars to be among the best state constitutions in the United States, the creation of this formative document sealed Fairbanks' place in statehood history. Juneau's role in the spotlight came later: On July 4, 1959, the official 49-star flag was raised over the site of the former Juneau Memorial Library. Today, that same building is home to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and is now a designated National Historical Site. The museum is hosting an exhibit that celebrates this time in Juneau history through photos, film footage of the 1959 Independence Day parade and statehood artifacts. In downtown Fairbanks, Historic Hall is showcasing exhibits and collections of memorabilia from the gold rush days to Alaska statehood. To learn more about the museums, visit them online at www.alaskahistorichall.com and www.juneau.org/parkrec/museum. For more on travel to Juneau and Fairbanks, visit www.traveljuneau.com or www.explorefairbanks.com. Media information Contact: Lorene Palmer, Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau |
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With the success of its zipline tours in Ketchikan and Juneau over the past two years, Alaska Canopy Adventures decided it was time to take visitors to new heights this summer. The company introduced the Bear Creek Zipline Adventure near Ketchikan with seven dual-cable ziplines, 10 tree platforms, a giant suspension bridge, a rainforest swing and a 250-foot mountain slide. Guests have aerial views of the ocean, mountains and Herring Cove, and frequently see bears and eagles as well. The entire rainforest adventure lasts about three hours, ending with hot chocolate, snacks and a award at base camp. The adventure course is appropriate for first time zipliners, and offers new features for those who have ziplined previously. For more information, visit www.alaskacanopy.com. Media information |
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In search of a new passenger ship with greater fuel efficiency, Kenai Fjords Tours is introducing two new, hydrofoil-supported catamarans to its fleet (the first arrived in May 2007, and a second will be in service in August 2008). The 150-passenger tour boats were designed specifically for the cruise company, and exceeded expectations, with 44 percent fuel savings over the company's other ships. The 82-foot catamarans also have two decks, with full wraparound decks on both levels allowing ample space for all 150 passengers to get an up close while observing the wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park. With twelve cruise tours offered out of Seward per day, Kenai Fjords Tours operates a 12-ship fleet and is considering replacing more ships. For now, the first of the new catamarans, the m/v Aialik Voyager, makes two six-hours trips a day. To book a Kenai Fjords Tour, go to www.kenaifjords.com. Media information |
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