Anchorage-Nevelsk

Anchorage was established in 1914 as a railroad construction port for the Alaska Railroad, which was built between 1915 and 1923. With an estimated 279,243 municipal residents in 2008, Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and constitutes more than 40 percent of the state’s total population. Anchorage’s largest economic sectors include transportation, military, local and federal government, tourism, and resource extraction. Large portions of the local economy depend on Anchorage’s geographical location and surrounding natural resources. Anchorage is a major port, receiving over 95% of all freight entering Alaska, as well as a hub of the Alaska Railroad. To learn more about Anchorage, click here.

Nevelsk is a port town and administrative center of Nevelsk Municipal District located in Sakhalin Island. Population 18,639 (2002 Census). Sakhalin’s first ice-free harbor was constructed here between 1916 and 1927, and the town was developed as the center for the local fishing industry. Nevelsk was given its name in honor of Admiral Gennady Nevelskoy. The town was severely damaged by the 2007 Sakhalin earthquake. The town’s economy relies largely on fishing and associated industries. There have been recent efforts to develop the area as a tourist area for marine animal viewing, diving and yachting. To learn more about Nevelsk, click here.

Partnership Project: Promoting Tourism Development in Nevelsk Municipal District
Project Start and End Dates: April 15, 2010-Aug 31, 2010

The Nevelsk Municipal District Administration views tourism as a key area for local economic development. Nevelsk District has great potential for ecotourism with its unique natural, recreational, and environmental resources including resident sea lions, diving opportunities, unique bird populations, pristine Moneron Island just off the coast, and more. Therefore, the promotion of ecotourism development in Nevelsk District as a step toward making it a vibrant tourist destination was identified as the main goal for their project with the City of Anchorage. The partners plan to conduct an ecotourism exchange to consult the Nevelsk team in principles and practices of ecotourism development. They will conduct an assessment of birding tourism in Nevelsk District and develop tours and business plans for birding tourism. They will also develop targeted marketing plans to promote specialized eco-tours in Nevelsk District to attract local residents and visitors. This partnership project will complete its activities by September 2010.