About TBMP

As Ketchikan’s visitor industry has grown, community conversations around tourism have grown with it. Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) provides a constructive way for residents and tourism businesses to communicate, address concerns, and work together toward responsible, community-minded tourism.
What TBMP Is

Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) is a voluntary, community-based program that helps address tourism-related concerns through communication and awareness. It creates a clear path for residents to share feedback and for tourism businesses to listen, learn, and respond.

What TBMP Is Not

TBMP is not an enforcement program, complaint hotline, or regulatory body. It does not issue fines or penalties. Instead, it focuses on raising awareness, encouraging thoughtful practices, and supporting solutions that work for both the community and the visitor industry.

How the Program Works

When a concern or comment is submitted, TBMP acts as a connector, sharing the information with the appropriate tourism business. Businesses are encouraged to review the feedback and respond with adjustments, education, or solutions when possible. The goal is improvement, not punishment.

Why This Matters

Tourism is an important part of Ketchikan, and so is the quality of life for the people who live here. TBMP exists to support mutual respect, encourage responsible tourism, and ensure community voices are heard as the industry continues to evolve.

Who Can Participate

  • Community members can share feedback, concerns, or positive experiences

  • Tourism businesses can participate by committing to TBMP guidelines and open communication

Participation is free and open to those who want to be part of a constructive, solutions-focused approach.

Become A Partner

Businesses and organizations that participate in Ketchikan’s TBMP program support a shared approach to responsible tourism by using best practices, engaging with community feedback, and maintaining open communication.

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You’ll find a list of TBMP participating partners and organizations below, click "View Participating Partners".

For more information about becoming a TBMP partner, please contact us at (907) 228-8912.

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Ketchikan Visitors Bureau Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

Phone:

(907) 225-6166

Toll-Free:

(800) 770-3300

Address:

50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901

This program is a cooperative effort of visitor industry businesses, industry associations and local government. Begun in 1997 in Juneau, Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) are intended to minimize the impacts of tourism in a manner which addresses both resident and industry concerns.

We acknowledge that Ketchikan, or Kichxáan in the Tlingit language, is situated on the ancestral lands of the Tlingit people, who have lived on these shores for over 10,000 years. The name "Kichxáan" reflects the deep connection between the Tlingit Nation and this beautiful landscape, which has long served as a place of residence, trade, and cultural significance. We honor the Tlingit heritage that continues to shape this community and are grateful for the opportunity to live and work on this land. As you explore Ketchikan, we invite you to respect and celebrate the rich history and traditions of the people who have called this place home for generations.

Gunalchéesh, Thank you

© 2026 Discover Ketchikan. All Rights Reserved. 2025

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