The McKinley Chalet Hotel in 2010
During the recent Alaska Media Road Show, we got the lowdown on Holland America Line’s latest moves in Alaska. The line is expanding its land-based offerings with the acquisition of the McKinley Chalet Hotel in Denali National Park. Holland America intends to completely renovate the resort, turning it into what Director of Public Relations Erik Elvejord likened to a “private island experience.”
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Renovations to the 68-acre campus will include room updates, upgrades to soft goods and hotel decor, new culinary experiences in the restaurants, and even moving some of the buildings from the top of the hill to the riverfront. Holland America Line intends to announce a new name for the resort, which is expected to open for business in May 2014.
The line is also rebranding its Alaska CruiseTour program under the new name Land+Sea Journeys. “The idea is to focus on what you’re experiencing instead of how you’re getting there,” Elvejord said.
Along with the rebranding, Holland America is updating its itineraries to reduce travel time between destinations. The line is now offering a one-hour 737 flight between Fairbanks, Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon, replacing up to two days of motorcoach travel and a hotel overnight.
For agents, the line is rolling out new tools, including a streamlined website, new brochure and travel videos at www.travelagentheadquarters.com.