The Alaska Native village of Hoonah is seeing a boost in its economy with the arrival of cruise ships.

Thousands of tourists arrive in the Tlingit village, population 860, every week. They spent hundreds of dollars on arts and crafts, tours and other excursions.

Village residents welcome the influx of cash, especially since the timber and salmon industry collapsed. Cruise ships are limited to one per day except during the weekend.

About 800,000 people are expected to visit the Alaskan coast this year and will have an impact of $700 million on the state's economy.

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Tourists Buoy Economy Of Tiny Alaskan Village (The Washington Post 8/7)
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