December 11, 2019
As the GNWT gears up to develop the territory’s next five year tourism strategy, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is touring the territory and listening to ideas to continue the territory’s tourism winning streak.
All community visits include two sessions: one for those involved in the tourism and hospitality industries, and one for the general public.
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It was the homestretch for the community visits last week: the team hit Fort Simpson in the heart of big river country, listened to the voice of the capital, and travelled to Dettah – a hub for Indigenous tourism in the territory.
Here’s a recap.
Fort Simpson
9 people representing Indigenous and local governments, industry participants, and interested citizens were on-hand for the sessions.
It was a highly-engaged crowd interested in advocating for an enhanced role for the region in the territory’s tourism industry.
Signature topics included Indigenous tourism, enhancing road tour access and extended parks seasons.
Yellowknife
An impressive cross-section of Indigenous governments, industry, retail, arts, food services, transportation, and interested citizens showed up to have their say.
32 energetic attendees stimulated discussions on the importance of investing in the future, quality assurance for tourism products, and beefing up program and training delivery.
Dettah
Seven people – including operators from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and local government – joined the engagement team at the Chief Drygeese Conference Centre. As the home of the newly-opened cultural centre – a big driver for Indigenous cultural tourism in the area – it was a fitting venue.
The group discussed the importance of ensuring respect amongst visitors and operators coming to the community, ideas for more responsive funding models, and training opportunities.
Next up…
A French language conference call is being held today to close out the community sessions. The online presence will close December 20 and the team will begin evaluating responses. There will be a report published in the new year summarizing what was heard. Stay tuned!
Through December 20, you can still join a vibrant community of tourism-interested NWT’ers online to have your say. Click here to participate in our discussion forums, virtual idea board, and short survey.