Government of Canada Supports Tourism Development in NWT
Press Releases
Funding will stimulate local tourism business in the Northwest Territories
February 9, 2015 – Yellowknife, NT – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Today, Minister Aglukkaq announced new investments for two projects that will support tourism development in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The two projects will complement each other by promoting the NWT at home and abroad as a tourist destination while helping communities develop and sustain tourism in their area.
CanNor’s first investment will support the efforts of Northwest Territories Tourism to promote the NWT to target markets in Asia, Europe and North America with the aim to increase the number of tourists. The second CanNor contribution will support a Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) project focused on community tourism development and training activities, with a particular emphasis on product development in five communities with emerging tourism opportunities: Fort Resolution, Lutsel K’e, Fort Simpson, Deline and Tuktoyaktuk.
Quick facts
- Investments from the GNWT, industry, NWT Tourism, as well an investment from CanNor of over $2.8 million will contribute a total investment of up to $10 million towards the NWT tourism industry over the course of two fiscal years.
- This new funding builds on CanNor’s previous tourism initiatives in the territory, including a $1.2-million investment to support NWT Tourism’s marketing plan implementation and $100,000 to market appeal of the top NWT Iconic Attractions.
- The tourism industry employs 2,500 people and contributes more than $130 million to the NWT annually.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to invest in tourism promotion and development in the Northwest Territories. Our most recent investments will increase opportunities for Canadians and international visitors to get to know the people and landscapes of the North, while supporting economic growth and creating jobs in communities throughout the NWT.”
– Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council
“Tourism is a vital and vibrant industry in the Northwest Territories that showcases incredible landscapes, welcoming people, and meaningful experiences. Community-based tourism models have been successful in the NWT and with this additional funding, more communities will have the opportunity to develop tourism products, share their culture, and create jobs and income for local people.”
– David Ramsay,
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories
“We are delighted to have CanNor’s support. We know from our 2013 experience that increased marketing dollars result in increased visitors and visitor spending in the NWT,” said Cathie Bolstad, Executive Director of NWT Tourism. “This funding enables us to put in place a five year strategic marketing plan, update and strengthen our brand, and build on the marketing we are already doing in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories as well as begin to expand into new markets.”
– Cathie Bolstad,
Executive Director
NWT Tourism
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Additional links
Contacts
Ted Laking
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
819-997-1441
Craig Welsh
Communications
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
867-222-4768
CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada’s three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.
Leslie Campbell
Communications
GNWT Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
867-920-3343
Julie Warnock
Communications
Northwest Territories Tourism
867-873-5007
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