Sitka Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) Guidelines

As partners in Sitka's tourism industry, we commit to responsible operations that respect our community, environment, and visitors. The following guidelines outline our shared responsibilities to maintain a safe, courteous, and sustainable tourism experience.

• Community Engagement:  Attend annual preseason and postseason community meetings to identify and address congestion, resident concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Provide ongoing employee train on TBMP guidelines.

• Environmental & Wildlife Protocols: Secure trash and recyclables to prevent wildlife attraction; report bear sightings promptly. Do not feed or bait wildlife; comply with all Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations. Comply with local anti-litter ordinances and promote recycling programs suitable to your business size.

• Transportation & Vehicles: Operate all commercial vehicles in compliance with Sitka Municipal Code, Alaska State Statutes, and US DOT regulations. Emphasize school zone safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian awareness. Drivers must yield to pedestrians, observe speed limits. All vehicles must be clearly marked with company name and vehicle number.

• Flightseeing Operations: Adhere to FAA regulations and US Forest Service permits for Mt. Edgecumbe landings. Share flight routes and aircraft identifiers with TBMP administration for public transparency. Maintain minimum altitudes of 1,500 feet over residential areas, except during takeoff/landing or due to weather. Follow the Fly Neighborly Program to reduce noise impacts. Flightseeing tours operate between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. only. Avoid harassment or disturbance of wildlife during flights.

• Walking, Hiking, Bicycling, & Zipline Tours: Obtain necessary permits for commercial use of public lands and follow group size limits. Ensure guides are easily identifiable and wear company-branded attire. Report trail issues and support trail maintenance financially when possible. Monitor noise levels of microphones and speakers to minimize disturbance.

• Sales Tactics for Merchants: Cooperate fully with municipal staff including police, ambassadors, and crossing guards. Do not distribute flyers or engage in aggressive sidewalk sales outside your premises. Avoid misleading advertising and do not display unauthorized cruise line logos. Refrain from false advertising such as "going out of business" signs when untrue.

• Accessibility & Customer Privacy: Provide clear accessibility information for visitors with mobility or sensory impairments. Train staff on accommodating guests with disabilities and on privacy protection protocols for sensitive customer data. 

• Emergency Preparedness: Train employees to assist visitors during emergencies, and ensure polices and procedures are understood and implemented.

PARTNER HANDBOOK AND PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR SITKA’S VISITOR INDUSTRY

Provided by the Sitka Tourism Commission

To Download - CLICK HERE  

Our Mission: The mission of the Sitka Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) program is to foster a collaborative partnership between the tourism industry and the Sitka community that promotes responsible, sustainable, and respectful tourism. Through education, self-regulation, and open communication, we aim to minimize the impacts of visitor activity, protect our cultural and natural resources, and ensure a high quality of life for residents while delivering a safe and memorable experience for all guests.