Developing safety plans, building shelters and starting fires for survival were just a few of the emergency preparedness topics covered in a workshop for tourism operators November 8-9 in the North Slave Region.

The workshop was hosted by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), Worker’s Safety & Compensation Commission and Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd (NARWAL) to promote the highest standards of safety.

Fifteen tour operators and their staff spent two days at B. Dene Adventures where they covered topics including improving risk management, safety planning and emergency preparedness. The workshop is intended to assist tourism operators with the development and implementation of safety plans, which are a requirement under the Tourism Act.

“It’s important that tourists return home from the NWT with wonderful travel experiences. Safety planning and emergency preparedness training will help us recognize potential hazards to clients,  reduce the risk of incidents happening and ultimately promote a culture of safety so that travellers, tour operators and employees all feel safe and confident,” said Kris Johnson, Regional Superintendent of the North Slave Office.

ITI’s North Slave Regional Office received positive feedback and intends to host additional workshops in the future.

ITI is committed to strengthening the NWT tourism industry and supports tour operator capacity building through workshops and training.