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Tourism Series: Profile on South Slave RTO

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June 2, 2017

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Today is the final day of National Tourism Week 2017 and our last blog of this tourism series. We hope you enjoyed the series as well as the tourism activities in the Northwest Territories!

Michelle Keizer’s roots are in Fort Smith. Growing up in the town of 2,500 people meant that Michelle learned the best things to see and do, and knew many of the local tourism operators early on. It’s this innate local knowledge and enthusiasm that make her a natural fit for the role of Regional Tourism Development Officer (RTO) for the South Slave Region. It’s a role she’s had for the last year and a half and says that there is always something new and exciting to learn.

Like her counterparts in other regions, Michelle supports community development, licenses tourism operators, provides training such as NorthernMost Host, and assists with work in our territorial parks.

“I am proud of the tourism opportunities we have within the South Slave Region. There are so many neat things to check out: camping, festivals, tourism operators. I really enjoy being able to work with all the South Slave communities and meeting new people who are passionate about building tourism in the north,” Michelle says.

ITI Projects in the South Slave Region:

  • Festivals Galore: the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment provides funding to several iconic South Slave summer festivals. These include the Dark Sky Festival, Paddlefest, Summer Splash, Gateway Jamboree, and Hay Days. Be sure to check them out!
  • Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing (TPDMP): In 2016-17 ITI contributed over $240,000 to two projects in the South Slave Region. The Town of Fort Smith received funds to help build a Snowboard Park and The Town of Hay River received funds to assist in purchasing a video messaging display system to be used for events at the Don Stewart Recreational Center. Both projects will play a role in the 2018 Arctic Winter Games happening in the South Slave in March 2018.

RTO Tips: Not to Miss

  • Don’t miss out on the South Slave Region’s summer markets!
    • In Hay River every Saturday from 10am to 2pm venture out to the Fisherman’s Wharf where you will find everything from local arts and crafts, fresh fish and produce, delicious food and baked goods.
    • Fort Smith has the Desnedé Farmers Market which is open every Saturday from 10am to 1pm where you will find local produce, baked goods, jams, delicious food and more.