Purposes.

The purposes of AS 44.33.119 — 44.33.136 are to (1) encourage the expansion and growth of the state's visitor industry for the benefit of the citizens of the state;

(2) ensure that the economic benefits to be derived from tourism in the state are retained in the state, to the greatest extent possible;

(3) ensure that a maximum number of residents of the state are employed in the tourism industry;

(4) ensure that consideration is given in the development and implementation of the tourism program to local community goals and objectives, to impacts on existing private enterprises, and to impacts on recreational and subsistence opportunities for the residents of the state;

(5) promote the development of tourism opportunities throughout the state, including along the highway system of the state, the marine highway, and in rural areas of the state.