Fort Simpson Holds Tourism Conference

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March 13, 2019

A three-day gathering in Fort Simpson covered several tourism-related topics for participants from the region. On the first day, the Indigenous Tourism Conference has helped to focus conversations on understanding, developing and enhancing indigenous tourism products within the Dehcho region. The following days included presentations on customer service and service standards for the tourism industry.

Invited delegates representing the GNWT, municipal and federal government, and regional businesses convened February 19 - 21, 2019.

The successful conference was well-attended by an enthusiastic crowd. “People had a lot to say,” said GNWT tourism officer Stephanie Hardisty. “We know we have a lot of beauty to share here in the Dehcho, and our communities are really eager to capitalize on that opportunity.”

The conference included three workshops to help attendees build their skills and think about tourism in new ways.

An Indigenous Tourism Workshop – focused on leveraging authentic Indigenous experiences.  

NorthernMost Host Training - designed to teach participants how to welcome guests and visitors to the NWT; and

Tourism Business and Market Ready Training – preparing new and seasoned operators alike to better understand how incorporating policy development and applying expected service standards can drive new sales and marketing opportunities.

The conference is one of five made possible under a funding agreement between the GNWT’s Department of Industry Tourism and Investment and CanNor.

It is one of the many ways that the GNWT is growing and strengthening the NWT’s tourism sector in support of greater regional economic diversity.