The reverberations of the recent U.S. elections are still reaching Alaska, this time in the form of a rising interest in the state as a vacation destination.

Travel companies are racing to capitalize on the trend stirred up by frequent broadcasts from Sarah Palin's home state during the waning months of the 2008 presidential campaign which, at the very least, succeeded in showing the natural beauty of America's biggest state.

The interest has been particularly strong among foreigners. One British travel agency saw a 35 percent increase in traffic to its Alaskan website offerings, according to Beattie Communications, a PR company.

The travel agency's director was quoted as saying, "Its breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and unspoilt wilderness give Alaska its deserved title of 'The Last Frontier' and make it one of the world's most unique destinations."

Meanwhile, a NuWire Investor website has called Alaska one of the premiere global ecotourism destinations. It is home to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of America's largest nature preserves including herds of federally-protected musk ox.

According to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, there are more than 200 villages and communities throughout the state that are home to native Alaskans.