So far this year fewer Japanese travelers have visited Fairbanks, a market that typically brings up to 7,000 visitors between October and April, said Deb Hickok, Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director.

"It's really hit our winter business," she said. "We're definitely feeling the pinch."

She believes the change probably stems from people's reluctance to travel following last fall's terrorist attacks on the East Coast.

Two popular winter events are still to come. The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race begins Feb. 9 in Fairbanks, and the World Ice Art Championships run March 6-16.

In preparation for summer tourism, FCVB officials have hired a company to promote the Interior city in German-speaking Europe, Hickok said. Munich-based Best Choice also has offices in Austria and Switzerland, she said.

The state marketing association, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, already employs representatives in Europe, but Fairbanks leaders believe their need calls for greater support.

"We think we have a lot more work to do in Germany," Hickok said.

The six-month contract started in mid-December.

The move comes as one way to ensure future summer flights from Condor, which last year began a weekly flight between Frankfurt, Whitehorse and Fairbanks.

However, there are not enough Europeans coming to Fairbanks to support the flight, and Condor needs more Alaskans to travel to Europe.

In late December an official from Fairbanks International Airport petitioned the Fairbanks North Star Borough for funding to support the airline's future flights. In early January borough officials rejected the request for $50,000 to $250,000.

Fairbanks tourism officials are working to guarantee future Condor flights. Hickok said they are working out details for a consortium of businesses that would help fund the weekly flights. Even though Condor has stated its plans to return to Fairbanks this summer, the move would symbolize the community's support for the airline, she said.

Condor advocates also aim to boost the number of people flying from Fairbanks to Frankfurt, she said.

Another summer tourism boon will be completion of a downtown parking garage. The facility will increase parking options for people visiting FCVB's Log Cabin Visitors Center and other downtown attractions.

The 379-space, five-story parking garage is scheduled to be completed in October, said city engineer Larry Crouder.

Work began in June on the $8 million project, he said. Crouder estimates the project is 50 percent complete with utility and groundwork finished. The project is currently shut down for winter, but building should begin again in April, he said. Remaining work includes building the superstructure, he said.

Kiewit Cos. is the general contractor.

Once finished, the parking garage should benefit downtown tourism businesses, Hickok said.

"We're really looking forward to it," she said. "It's a great project for downtown Fairbanks."