Sen. Begich Welcomes Disney Cruises to Alaska Ships sail north in 2011

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today released the following statement after learning Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaska cruises in the summer of 2011.

“At a time when all segments of the economy are working to get back on track, this is excellent news for Alaska and our business community, especially in the Southeast communities where these ships will dock. The tourism industry will clearly benefit from Disney Cruise Lines showcasing Alaska’s wonders to people from all over the world.

“I look forward to the first cruise ships arriving in May of 2011, and I would anticipate this will be the beginning of a strong partnership between one of the world’s major cruise lines and our great state.”

Sen. Begich added the news from Disney Cruises comes just after the Senate this week passed the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. Sen. Begich was an original co-sponsor of the bill designed to bring more overseas visitors to the United States by creating a public-private partnership to clearly communicate U.S. travel policies and promote travel to all destinations in the U.S.