Cruise cancellations cut into visitor count this summer

Due to cruise ship cancellations, summer tourism numbers could come in slightly below last year.

Matt Henson, the borough’s marketing and community development coordinator, said that based on the number of cruise ships scheduled, he now expects 21,000 to 23,000 visitors. Last year’s count totaled 23,000.

Before the season started, Wrangell expected close to 30,000 cruise visitors, if all the berths were filled. The canceled stops have cut into that number.

Jeanie Arnold, Nolan Center director, said revenue is down from last year. “The numbers don’t lie,” she said, estimating that gift shop and...