Palin a Positive for Alaska Tourism

Sarah Palin’s Alaska debuted with 4.96 million viewers, making it the most watched premiere in TLC’s history.

Besides the benefits for the TLC network and Sarah Palin (the New York Times says some are calling the show a “campaign ad” for a possible 2012 run for President), the state of Alaska could be benefiting.

Kathy Dunn, director of consumer marketing for the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), told MSNBC.com that there was a four percent increase in people expressing interest in Alaska during Palin’s 2008 vice presidential run.