By
Alex Smith |
A new cruise port is being constructed near the village of Klawock, Alaska, by Na-Dena, a joint venture between Alaska Native corporations Doyon and Huna Totem.
The new destination will be built on 16 acres on Klawock Island, situated on the Pacific coast side of Prince of Wales Island. Two separate fjord entrances provide access to the port, and the island connects by bridge to Prince of Wales Island’s road system to allow travel to other communities and tour options.
“A port is the next natural step for Na-Dena`,” said Aaron Schutt, president and CEO of Doyon. “We are looking forward to expanding tourism in southeast Alaska to keep up with the increase in visitor volume and introducing cruise guests to Alaska Native culture.”
Na-Dena will work alongside the Klawock Heenya Corporation, an Alaska Native village corporation that represents the Tlingit people from Klawock. The village will share local culture and promote employment of Native and local Alaska workforce and feature an Alaska-only retail programme. Na-Dena will assist Klawock Heenya to develop a series of guest attractions and tour products, featuring Klawock’s totem carving traditions, local wildlife and the area’s sport fishing industry.
“Tourism is the opportunity we need,” said Teresa Fairbanks, president of Klawock Heenya Corporation. “It’s exciting to now pursue the future for Klawock and our Native shareholders. We know building a tourism-based economy is a process, but thanks to the partnership with Na-Dena, we know Klawock Heenya will be successful.”
The new cruise port is scheduled to receive its first cruise call from Oceania Cruises on 24 May 2023.