Discover Kodiak reports 12,466 visitor contacts, growth in ecotourism and island‑wide outreach

Sabrina Hicks, the new executive director of Discover Kodiak, told the Kodiak Island Borough assembly on Nov. 13 that the organization’s first quarter work focused on marketing, visitor services, partnerships and operations and that outreach beyond Kodiak is increasing.

Hicks said Discover Kodiak’s visitor center greeted 12,466 guests in the quarter and that staff distributed visitor guides to communities such as Ketchikan, Fairbanks, Valdez, Haines, Copper Valley and Bellingham. The office is operating a year‑round replenishment system for printed guides and is producing a 2026 visitor guide with distribution to begin after printing. A seasonal “Adjust Your Altitude” hiking challenge drew more than 750 participants, Hicks said, noting that many visitors who try trails later book other island activities.

On tourism trends, she told assembly members ecotourism and cultural tourism (including opportunities to connect with Native communities and wildlife viewing like bears and puffins) are growing. Hicks also said ferry interruptions sometimes extend visitor stays — in some cases a ferry delay resulted in visitors spending two additional days in Kodiak and booking more local activities.

Hicks closed by noting Discover Kodiak will continue listening to businesses and communities across the island and that she plans to meet with city and borough leadership to relay concerns constructively. The presentation was followed by assembly questions about membership levels, seasonal trends and how to better portray logistics for reaching remote destinations such as Old Harbor and Larson Bay.

The update was informational; no assembly action was recorded other than questions and suggestions.