June 3, 2020
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) has waived tourism insurance requirements and licensing fees for the 2020-21 seasons as another element of short term relief for tourism operators.
Under the Tourism Act, all tourism operators providing tourism services in the NWT are required to have a valid Tourism Operator Licence (TOL) with prescribed support documents including proof of insurance.
For this fiscal year, licenced tourism operators wishing to renew or significantly amend their TOL will not be charged. Nor will fees be collected for significant renewal applications.
Through amendments to its tourism regulations, the Department of ITI will also grant a temporary waiver on the insurance requirements required by the Tourism Act provided an operator is unable to conduct tourism activities.
Quote:
“In the wake of COVID-19 the landscape of tourism in the Northwest Territories has changed. The tourism sector was one of the first hit by the pandemic and will likely be amongst the last to recover from its effects. By allowing tourism operators to keep their TOLs alive without cost or cancellation, we hope to demonstrate support for the tourism industry in these challenging times and to foster a quicker recovery in this sector when it is able.”
- Katrina Nokleby, Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment
Quick facts
- The Tourism Act requires TOL holders to maintain a minimum of $1 million liability insurance at all times.
- $29,225 will be returned to operators who have already paid their 2020/21 TOLs fees.
- Tourism operators who provide tourism activities to NWT residents are still required to have valid insurance for their activities on file so their businesses are in good standing with ITI.
Related links
For media requests contact:
Drew Williams
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories