Brock Simmons details Discover Kodiak's tourism growth and digital engagement strategies

Discover Kodiak's fourth quarter report revealed a significant boost in tourism for Kodiak Island, with 12 cruise ships bringing nearly 15,000 passengers between April and June 2025. Brock Simmons, representing Discover Kodiak, highlighted the arrival of the Viking Venus as the season's kickoff on April 29, marking a promising start to the cruise ship season.

Simmons emphasized the importance of community support in attracting visitors, noting that a Japanese cruise line is eyeing Kodiak for future visits. The organization has also made strides in digital outreach, with their newly launched website garnering over 466,000 hits since February 2024, averaging about 1,000 daily. Their social media presence is thriving, boasting nearly 40,000 Facebook followers and over 6,800 on Instagram, where engaging content is drawing in non-followers and enticing them to explore Kodiak.

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations, including Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Tourism Association, have been pivotal in promoting Kodiak as a travel destination. Discover Kodiak currently supports 158 members, having added 31 since April 2023, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the local tourism industry.

As the meeting concluded, Simmons expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the community, reinforcing the reciprocal relationship between tourism success and local funding through bed taxes. The assembly is set to discuss the tourism development contract later, indicating continued efforts to bolster Kodiak's tourism sector.