The Sitka Merchants Association supports local businesses by fostering collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Our mission includes enhancing local commerce, boosting tourism, and bolstering an inviting downtown community.

We celebrate Sitka's unique heritage and charm through engaging events and projects, promoting connection and local entrepreneurship.

Our Associations Initiatives

  • GROWING COMMERCE

    At the heart of Sitka’s vibrant community, the Sitka Merchants Association is dedicated to supporting local businesses through collaboration, integrity, and innovation. We work to enhance local commerce, attract tourism, and create a thriving downtown that reflects Sitka’s unique heritage and charm. Through engaging events and community-driven projects, we foster connection, celebrate entrepreneurship, and strengthen the spirit of our town. Join us in building a stronger, more dynamic Sitka—where local businesses and community flourish together.

  • PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

    Our merchants work closely with the City of Sitka and the Tourism Task Force (TTF) to improve our local economy and build a lively community. Understanding the importance of cruise and independent travel to Sitka, our merchants join these groups for mutual benefit. Our partnership with the TTF helps us align our business strategies with sustainable tourism practices. By focusing on responsible management, we aim to reduce negative impacts and increase the positive benefits of tourism on Sitka’s economy. Together, we strive to enhance visitor experiences while supporting our local businesses.

  • BEAUTIFICATION + REVITALIZATION

    The Sitka Merchants Association is proud to announce an exciting and impactful initiative to beautify and revitalize the vibrant Downtown Lincoln Street and its surrounding areas. This comprehensive project reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing local commerce and emphasizes our dedication to fostering a welcoming and inviting environment for both residents and visitors alike. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we aim to create a space that celebrates our community’s unique character.to beautify and revitalize

Our Position: A Collaborative Approach to Tourism Management

The Sitka Local Merchants Association (SLMA) is dedicated to fostering a thriving community where local businesses can prosper while maintaining Sitka's unique charm and character. We understand the importance of tourism to our economy, particularly the role of cruise ship visitors. However, the recent initiative proposed by SOUL has raised significant concerns within our community.

SOUL's initiative aims to limit the number of cruise ship passengers to 300,000, but the number will be under 50,000 due to the permitting process. While managing tourism growth is vital, we believe the proposed initiative is not the solution. The SLMA has reviewed the initiative and concluded that it is poorly written, leading to consequences that will bankrupt many small businesses and stores.

We advocate for a balanced and collaborative approach to managing tourism's impact on Sitka. We support the ongoing efforts of the Tourism Task Force (TTF), which has worked diligently to understand the needs of our community and the tourism industry.

In 2024, the TTF conducted numerous town halls, engaging with residents, business owners, and industry stakeholders to develop informed recommendations for the City. These recommendations are designed to balance the influx of cruise ship passengers with the quality of life for Sitka residents and the sustainability of our local businesses.

Supporting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The SLMA believes that the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Sitka Point Dock represents a successful strategy for managing cruise ship tourism. The MOU outlines a framework for growth while considering the needs of our community and the environment. We have confidence that the measures in place will effectively manage the number of visitors and mitigate the impact on our City's infrastructure and services.

A United Vision for Sitka's Future

We prioritize ensuring that Sitka remains a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors. We are committed to working with the TTF, the City, and all stakeholders to monitor the effectiveness of the current plan and make adjustments as needed. The SLMA believes that by following the TTF's recommendations and upholding the MOU with Sitka Point Dock, we can achieve a sustainable balance that benefits merchants, citizens, and the economy of Sitka.

“We believe that the best practice for our community is to uphold the principles of best management practices while collaborating closely with the already established Tourism Task Force.

We stand united against the citizens' initiative proposed by SOUL, as we believe fostering a thriving business environment is essential for our community's sustainable growth and prosperity.”

Cruise Passenger Tourism FAQ’s

Do Large Cruise Ships Spend the Least Amount of Money?

Large ships spend the MOST!

In recent studies, most merchants make 50% of their sales when ships of 4500 are in town. That would include the Bliss, Ovation, and Quantum, which this initiative aims to eliminate. We can’t afford a 50% revenue Loss. Could your business or family?

Can Local Shopping Support Year Round Sales?

Most retailers will tell you that they can stay open in the winter and keep year-round staff due to the sales they make in the summer. In a recent study, however, retailers accounted for just 10% of their annual sales in the off-season.

What's Wrong with Capping the Passenger Count at 300K People?

Recent calculations show that the initiative is unlikely to attract 350,000 passengers to Sitka initially, with projections indicating only around 25,000 due to stringent permitting requirements that major cruise lines cannot meet. This limitation suggests the initiative is not a viable solution for tourism management, risking established practices and jeopardizing the integrity and sustainability of our community's tourism. A more strategic approach is necessary to preserve Sitka's unique charm and manage tourism growth responsibly.

Why Can’t We Find More Independent Travelers?

Sitka's independent travel market is reaching capacity in summer, with hotels full due to high demand from tourists and charter fishing clients. This growth emphasizes the need for a diverse lodging sector. To accommodate the surge, introducing hundreds of Airbnb properties is essential to mitigate impacts from potential service cuts. While Sitka's charm attracts independent travelers, the current infrastructure is under strain. Expanding lodging options, especially short-term rentals, is crucial to support the independent travel initiative. The community should prioritize enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring local businesses thrive in this competitive landscape.

Cruise Tourism doesn’t affect me. Why should I support it?

The sales tax generated from cruise tourism benefits the entire community. When cruise ship passengers disembark and explore our town, they spend money on various goods and services, from dining and shopping to tours and excursions. The revenue generated from these activities directly contributes to our local tax base, helping to fund essential community services and school and infrastructure improvements. With a sustainable and balanced cruise tourism sector, we invest in a stronger and more vibrant Sitka for all residents.

The 1% seasonal sales tax increase earned approximately $2 million for school infrastructure during the 2024 summer season.

Do Cruise Passengers Even Spend Money in Town?

From pre-COVID FY 2019 to FY 2024, Sitka's gross sales nearly doubled from $406,776,189 to $809,975,540, reflecting a 99.1% increase, unadjusted for inflation. When adjusted, the growth stands at a significant 61.3%. The retail sector has been integral to this growth, with sales rising from $125,559,249 to $286,248,603—an impressive 78.1% increase. Even with inflation, retail sales exhibit a solid growth of 44.3%. These statistics highlight retail as a critical aspect of local commerce, making up 35% of Sitka's total gross sales.