The Arctic is an increasingly popular tourist destination; however, like so many places in the world, the regional tourism industry has had to adapt to new realities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the current climate crisis. Considering these challenges and U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region, the U.S. Department of State’s Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau (ECA) brought together tourism industry experts from Finland, Denmark, and Sweden to participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange focused on approaches to sustainable tourism in the Arctic.
Prior to the in-person exchange, the participants connected virtually to strengthen regional collaboration and discuss the tourism landscape in the Arctic, public-private partnerships in the tourism sector, and culturally sustainable tourism practices. In October, they reunited in the United States for an in-person exchange program during which they visited Seattle, Washington, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Denver, Colorado to meet with American tourism professionals and organizations committed to protecting traditional cultures and the environment.
Through this IVLP, the participants observed different approaches to balancing economic development with environmental concerns and the rights of indigenous populations. For example, the group had the opportunity to visit the tribal lands of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington and learn more about the Hibulb Cultural Center’s efforts to preserve and enhance local cultural resources and the tribe’s Natural Resources Department’s strategies for natural resource development and restoration. In addition, the participants explored an Alaskan reindeer ranch where they discussed operations, digital marketing, and the essential relationship between reindeer and humans in the region.
The visit was not complete without encountering this quintessential animal of the Arctic!
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. ECA partnered with Meridian International Center, the World Affairs Council of Seattle, Explore Fairbanks, and WorldDenver to implement this IVLP exchange project.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly and peaceful relations. We accomplish this mission through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges that engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries.