When the Crystal Serenity anchored outside of Ulukhaktok this weekend, residents of Ulukhaktok were prepared to take advantage of the economic opportunities that this year’s cruise ship season will bring to their community.
Residents of the hamlet had the opportunity to sell goods, including traditional arts and crafts and interested travellers hit the links at the most northern golf course in the world — all representing significant economic opportunity for the region.
Workshops to educate residents on the best practices for capitalizing on shore visits were held this spring by Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) — a branch of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation — with funding from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).
Funding was also provided by ITI for essential infrastructure like tables, chairs, and tents.
This weekend, over a thousand visitors, in waves of 150 at a time, had the opportunity to experience and share in the lives and traditions one of the world’s northernmost communities.
ITI’s support for the community of Ulukhaktok reflects the GNWT’s commitments to invest in arts, tourism and the traditional economy. Investments served to showcase art and increase sales, promote community tourism development and Aboriginal culturally-based tourism.
ITI looks forward to continuing to work with ICEDO on strategic planning for future Arctic cruising activities.
Quick Facts
- The Crystal Serenity was the first of five vessels to be visiting the Arctic coast this cruise season.
- The Crystal Serenity is the largest cruiseship to visit the Arctic.
- The ship will be the first recreational vessel of its size to navigate the Northwest Passage.
Media contact
Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
1-867-767-9202 ext. 63037