Tourism director urges cross‑border outreach, committee raises shoulder‑season facility needs

Jamie Bricker, Skagway’s tourism director, told the committee she has received media inquiries and many direct communications about new tariffs and taxes in Yukon and said local outreach is underway with Yukon Tourism and Culture and Carcross Tagish First Nations. Bricker said, "there's a general sentiment that, Skagway helps Yukon, and Yukon helps Skagway in a lot of ways," and that the department is attempting to maintain partnerships and communications as federal changes take effect.

Bricker described recent and planned contacts with Yukon partners and said an event the communities have alternated hosting — referred to in the meeting as "tourism reconnects" — had been scheduled for Skagway this year but Yukon partners received direction not to participate. She said the parties were discussing alternative arrangements, including meeting at Yukon Suspension Bridge, but "no decisions made there." The committee discussed outreach tactics such as asking local businesses to offer small discounts for Yukon residents and working with cruise lines to communicate shore‑visit information.

Committee members raised the topic of shoulder‑season services. Businesses reported that early- and late‑season ship calls are important to year‑round operators, but the lack of open public restrooms and RV‑park constraints make hosting shoulder‑season visitors difficult. Bricker stated that code requires RV parks that are operational to have a public restroom facility available. "It is manageable, but it's something that the assembly would need to lay eyes on and look at code," she said.

Committee members suggested inviting Tyson from Public Works to the next meeting to discuss what facilities can feasibly remain open, signage and an inventory of available restrooms. The committee also discussed marketing ideas for Yukon visitors, including a possible Victoria Day (May long) weekend promotion and targeted discounts; staff reported that marketing graphics were in development but delayed by design and flag‑usage questions.

The committee asked tourism staff to reach out to Public Works and to prepare materials for the April meeting; a tentative April meeting date during the week of April 7 was discussed for follow-up.