The Haines Borough Assembly introduced its first-ever cruise passenger fee to support the town’s tourism infrastructure.
The assembly unanimously approved the new revenue tariff, which will take effect in 2025. The fee is set to start at US$9 per passenger, rising to US$12 in 2027 and US$13 in 2029.
Reba Hylton, the tourism director for Haines Alaska, explained the importance of this move. The town, which expects to host ~100,000 cruise tourists this year, previously lacked a dedicated fund to maintain and improve its cruise ship facilities. Hylton noted they didn’t have any fee in place. With the current dock needing maintenance, it was clear they needed a specific source of funding to address infrastructure improvements.
Although the exact allocation of the funds has not yet been determined, the revenue is legally required to go toward improvements that directly benefit passengers, such as upgrading the port’s facilities or constructing a new floating dock.
Hylton emphasized that the proposal underwent a thorough review, involving multiple committees including the Tourism Advisory Board and Ports and Harbor. After months of discussions and revisions, the assembly has now formalized the fee, providing a structured approach to managing the town's growing tourism needs.