Discover Kodiak reports visitor-guide surge, fundraiser and first out-of-state trade-show attendance

Brock Simmons, executive director of Discover Kodiak, reported to the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on April 24 about marketing and tourism activities for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (January 1–March 31, 2025).

Simmons said Discover Kodiak printed 20,000 copies of the 2025 visitor’s guide — a 4,000-copy increase over the prior run — after distributors in Washington state requested more copies. He said the organization saw improved attention in Washington, the Seattle area and the Rangers Prairie system after first-time distribution there last year. Simmons said Discover Kodiak is also producing a new destination video (slated for October 2025) with a local videographer.

Fundraising and events: Simmons described two fundraising events. The “Chocolate Lover Spring” fundraiser (one of two annual fundraisers, the other being an “adjust your oxygen” challenge) sold out and raised about $18,000; the Kodiak High School culinary arts program donated roughly 18–20 desserts and Discover Kodiak made a $2,000 donation to the program. The fundraiser featured donated tourism-related items including flight-seeing tours, charter fishing and even an outboard motor.

Trade show and membership growth: For the first time in memory, Discover Kodiak exhibited outside Alaska at the Travel and Adventure Show in Denver; Simmons said the Kodiak Brown Bear Center partnered on the booth and Discover Kodiak interacted with roughly 11,000 attendees. Simmons said cruise-ship schedules were initially robust (about 30 cruise calls scheduled) but four ship cancellations reduced the count to about the prior year’s level (around 25), and that several local entrepreneurs have pursued visitor-serving businesses and recently joined Discover Kodiak as members.

Wayfinding signage: Simmons said Discover Kodiak is under contract with a design firm in Anchorage to create wayfinding signage for downtown Kodiak; design and installation are expected to be a 12–14 month process with signage installation anticipated in summer 2026.

Why it matters: Discover Kodiak’s outreach and marketing efforts aim to broaden Kodiak’s visitor base beyond traditional hunting and fishing travelers and to support local entrepreneurs who can serve visitors. Assemblymembers asked questions about the changing cruise schedule and how the borough can support local entrepreneurs who wish to serve visitors.

Ending: The assembly requested regular quarterly reports as called for in the Discover Kodiak contract and thanked Simmons for the update.