The Unalaska Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is focusing its attention in 2012 on increasing ferry and cruise ship traffic.

The ferry brought just over 800 people to Unalaska during last year’s summer season, which CVB Director Alyssa Sensky says is an increase from previous years.  Since 2010 the ferry has been making two runs a month out to Unalaska, which Sensky says helps generate traffic.  She’s hoping 2012 will be even busier.

“This year, this is the first time we’ve been in a winter schedule planner and this technically would be the first summer that it’s been advertised, that people know so they can plan better.”

Sensky says the CVB is also trying to get more cruise ships out to Unalaska.  Last year four cruise ships called in port, bringing a total of 425 passengers.  So far only two have signed up for 2012.  Sensky says cruise ship traffic has declined everywhere in recent years but she wants to buck the trend.

“Trying to make our destination more appealing so that ships that go through Southeast Alaska, maybe even Kodiak, try to make it worth their while to come out here.  Because have everything that would appeal to them, but it’s getting them here.  Marketing, upgrades to the docks and just better serving that clientele.

Sensky says Unalaska can also look forward to seeing more birders in 2012. The CVB ran an ad in Audubon magazine in November and December.  Sensky says in January alone the ad generated more than 100 requests for information.