08-20101-17

SUMMARY OF: A Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce,

Community, and Economic Development,

Alaska Tourism Marketing Board

Why DLA Performed This Audit

The purpose of the audit was to determine if there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset June 30, 2018, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.

Report Conclusions

The audit concludes the board operated in the public’s interest by cooperating with DCCED to plan and execute a destination tourism marketing campaign and making recommendations regarding tourism marketing and development. Additionally, as directed by the legislature, the board worked with the Alaska Travel Industry Association to develop a plan to phase out reliance on unrestricted general funds.

Although the board served the public’s interest during the audit period, the board’s advice to DCCED regarding tourism marketing and development is no longer needed as responsibility for those activities has shifted to industry. In accordance with AS 44.66.010(a)(11), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2018. We do not recommend extending the board’s termination date.

Findings and Recommendations

There were no recommendations as part of the sunset audit.