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| Paradise
is a national full-service marketing agency partner that specializes in
tourism and destination brand strategy and marketing and has a strong reputation
for integrating sustainable tourism practices and alignment with United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into destination plans.
Paradise will work closely with WCA’s tribal leadership and stakeholders
to conduct destination and tourism asset analysis and create a strategic
tourism business plan that shapes the future of the tribal-focused tourism
department.
 As a federally recognized sovereign nation with 1,400 residents and over 800 enrolled tribal members, the WCA is located at the mouth of the Stikine River in Wrangell, Alaska, an area rich in history and culture. Wrangell holds the rare distinction of being the only Alaskan city to have been governed under four distinct flags: Tlingit, Russia, Great Britain, and the United States. “We’re honored to collaborate with such a culturally significant and historically rich community at a pivotal moment in its development,” said Rudy Webb, President of Paradise. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to help celebrate Wrangell’s unique story and chart a path toward sustainable tourism growth.” The WCA’s mission is to support the cultural, ceremonial, and subsistence lifestyle of all Alaskans while ensuring the availability of a healthy environment for present and future generations. According to the Wrangell Economic Development Department and the Oregon State University’s Sustainable Tourism Lab’s 2024 community tourism survey results released on June 10, 2025, nearly two-thirds of Wrangell residents said tourism improves their quality of life, and 52% believe it brings more benefits than costs. Over 240 residents—about 15% of the adult population—participated in the study, indicating strong community engagement. The survey revealed a unique trend: older residents view tourism more favorably than younger ones, a reversal of typical patterns seen in other destinations. While public sentiment is largely positive, the report emphasizes the need for thoughtful tourism planning to sustain community support and prioritize resident-benefiting projects. “It’s a pivotal time to understand and best shape our destination’s tourism journey. We are thrilled to further share the story of our ancient and complex Tlingit culture, which has existed since time immemorial,” said WCA President Ed Rilatos. “Revitalizing our language, arts, traditions, and access to traditional foods is vital, not just for our community, but also for Tlingit people across Southeast Alaska. After an extensive search, we felt Paradise truly understood our vision.” About
Wrangell Cooperative Association (WCA)
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Previous Release: City of Chattahoochee Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau Selects Paradise for Digital Services (06/10/25) |
