Alaska is offering free COVID-19 vaccines to everyone to boost tourism hit by coronavirus restrictions, NPR reported.

Officials hope the additional incentive in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine will attract visitors. Starting June 1, anyone 12 years of age or older from anywhere in the world can get the vaccine in Alaska. Vaccinations are available at any of the state's major airports, said Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

The Alaska tourism industry association reports that in 2019, more than 52,000 Alaska residents - one in ten - relied on tourism as a source of income. In the same year, vacationers spent an estimated $ 2.2 billion in the state.