Kaktovik, a village in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, has seen a decline in polar bear tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic and federal regulations. Once attracting over 1,000 tourists annually, the community is now looking to revive this lucrative industry, which could significantly benefit the local economy. Leaders like Charles Lampe, president of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation, emphasize the need for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize safety and resource protection. Previously, the influx of tourists led to issues such as overcrowding and increased bear-human interactions, prompting the federal government to halt boat tours. Discussions with the US Fish and Wildlife Service aim to establish guidelines that limit the duration of boat stays near bears, ensuring that the animals remain wary of humans. The community also hopes to market itself as a destination for educational experiences about Indigenous culture and subsistence whaling. As Kaktovik prepares for potential tourism revival by 2027, it seeks to balance economic benefits with the preservation of its way of life and the natural environment.