Company founded in Haines earns Skagway’s Hospitality Excellence Award

Skagway’s First Annual Tourism Best Management Practices Program

Hospitality Excellence Award Announcement

Press Release | December 2024

Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) are intended to minimize the impacts of tourism in a manner which addresses both resident and industry concerns and enhances the visitor experience in Skagway.

On Saturday, Skagway Streetcar Company was awarded the first annual Tourism Best Management Practices Hospitality Excellence Award. Skagway's TBMP Award is a prestigious honor that celebrates businesses within the TBMP community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism practices and outstanding hospitality.

Nominated by 5 other TBMP members, this business has exemplified outstanding hospitality throughout the 2024 season. Their team’s commitment to providing an immersive, historical experience with a personalized touch has left a lasting impression on both visitors and locals, positioning it as a standout in the community. Each tour is thoughtfully crafted to share Skagway’s rich history through authentic storytelling, with guides who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the town’s unique heritage. Longtime employees, Allison & Loya are constantly sharing information and feedback with partners to improve the guest experience. And it does not go unnoticed that owner Steve Hites is out picking up garbage on Broadway every morning. Steve passionately Chairs the Skagway Historic District Commission. The company leads by example with these small but impactful gestures that contribute to the town’s overall appeal and success.

Loya Zalit accepted the award on behalf of Skagway Streetcar at The Yuletide Bash at Happy Endings Saloon on December 14th. Loya said at the event “We love being a part of tourism in Skagway and part of the community across the board. Thank you!”  “We love that we get to be a part of people’s vacations every single day!”  (See presentation and acceptance here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15LMwrHBuw/ )

Alli Wilson said in an e-mail on behalf of The Skagway Streetcar Company, “I would like to say Thank you to Tourism Director Bricker and our fellow Tour Operators for recognizing us with this amazing award.  Streetcar is a family, and we all work hard to share our love of Skagway with guests from around the World.  We are honored to receive the first TBMP award and share it with all of you who work tirelessly to provide a wonderful experience to all our visitors.  Thank you all.”

Learn more about Skagway’s Tourism Best Management Practices here: https://www.skagwaytbmp.com/