Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism
High Output Tours is committed to responsible, community-based tourism in Sitka, Alaska. We believe that outdoor recreation and tourism should protect the natural environments, cultural heritage, and community vitality that make Southeast Alaska unique.
Sustainability is not a separate initiative for our company. It is integrated into how we train our staff, design our tours, manage our resources, and engage with our community.
Environmental Stewardship
Operating in sensitive marine and forest ecosystems requires intentional decision-making. Our environmental commitments include:
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• Operating small-group tours to reduce congestion, trail impact, and wildlife disturbance
• Maintaining approximately 98% elimination of single-use plastic water bottles through refill systems and guest education
• Transitioning snack and food sampling materials to compostable or reusable service ware
• Integrating Leave No Trace principles into guide training and daily operations
• Securing food and waste to prevent wildlife interaction and habitat disruption
• Extending the lifespan of equipment through maintenance and repair practices
• Participating in trail maintenance efforts with Sitka Trail Works
• Removing litter from trails and coastal areas during tours and in volunteer time
We recognize that operating in Alaska requires continuous learning, and we are committed to ongoing improvement in waste reduction and environmental impact management.
Community & Local Economic Sustainability
High Output Tours is locally owned and operated, and our success is directly connected to the strength of the Sitka community.
Our commitments include:
• Employing primarily local residents during peak season
• Providing professional development opportunities and advancement pathways for returning staff
• Sourcing 100% of our vendors and partners from Sitka-based businesses
• Circulating tourism revenue within the local economy
• Donating experiences and financial contributions to community organizations and nonprofit fundraisers
Workforce Development & Professional Growth
We believe sustainability includes investing in people.
High Output Tours supports staff in obtaining and maintaining professional certifications such as wilderness first aid, boating and marine safety credentials, and industry-specific training. Each season includes structured preseason training focused on safety, environmental stewardship, interpretation, and guest experience.
We are committed to creating leadership opportunities within our organization and to supporting scholarship and fundraising efforts that benefit youth, veterans, and educational programs in our community.
Cultural Respect & Education
Sitka is a place of deep cultural and historical significance. We are committed to respectful and accurate interpretation of the lands and waters in which we operate.
Our guides receive training in:
• Alaska Native history and contemporary Indigenous communities
• Sitka’s Russian colonial history
• Responsible storytelling and cultural sensitivity
We strive to present history in a manner that is educational, respectful, and reflective of the living cultures that shape our community today.
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Ongoing Commitment
High Output Tours is committed to continuous improvement in our sustainability practices. We regularly evaluate our operations to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance responsible tourism standards.
We believe tourism in Alaska should be regenerative rather than extractive. Our goal is to ensure that the landscapes, waters, and community we depend on remain vibrant and resilient for future generations.