The Travel Industry Association and National Geographic Traveler magazine honored Icy Strait Point, Alaska's only private cruise ship destination, with a "Travel to a Better World" sustainable tourism award.
Icy Strait Point was chosen for its commitment to the Tlingit Indian village of Hoonah, located some 1.5 miles from the port.
"We've maintained about 90% local hire and 85% native hire over our five-year history," said Bob Wysocki, CEO of Icy Strait Point.
The cruise destination helps keep Tlingit culture alive by involving elders and youth in the showcasing and presentation of their history, artwork and lifestyle to travelers.
Souvenir shops are all Alaskan-owned, and the local cannery, once the economic engine of Hoonah, has been restored as a museum and features a working canning line.
Visit www.icystraitpoint.com.