November 12, 2019
The world’s largest wooden teepee, the Cirque of the Unclimbables, the thundering Virginia Falls, a nine-hole golf course and the Papal Site - where Pope John Paul II held mass in 1987 – are just a few of the draws for travelers considering a visit to Fort Simpson.
Community members are eager to build on this list and on October 29, the minds behind Fort Simpson’s tourism industry came together to discuss the future of tourism for their community.
“We want to drum up more conversation about tourism and see how everyone can bring their skills together to help one another and the community,” says Stephanie Hardisty, ITI’s Manager of Tourism and Parks for the Dehcho Region. “It is just one example of how we are working together to increase tourism numbers in our region.”
In total, 15 people participated in the meeting. They included LKFN Sub Chief Kele Antoine, local tourism operators, accommodations providers staff from Parks Canada, the Village of Fort Simpson and the local MLA’s office - and others interested in getting involved in the tourism industry.
The gathering was organized by Madison Pilling, Liidlii Kue First Nation’s Community Tourism Coordinator.
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“This was a “kick-off” meeting” Madison says. “An opportunity for community members to hear from ITI and NWT Tourism (NWTT) on how they support tourism. Everybody in attendance was interested to hear from the presenters and excited for the future of tourism in our region.”
Through a number of tourism programs, ITI’s regional office in Fort Simpson provides opportunities and resources for training, mentorship and infrastructure development.
Madison also used the opportunity to increase community awareness about her role as the Community Tourism Coordinator and how she will work with local operators to develop more market-ready tourism products.
The group discussed opportunities to market aurora viewing within the region and build packages for visitors on their way to Yellowknife.
One new development already on the books involves refurbishing the interpretive map outside the Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre.