YELLOWKNIFE (May 8, 2015) – Yellowknife residents are encouraged to become “tourists in their own town” this month in a joint initiative designed to promote and increase awareness of the NWT capital’s tourism product.
“See Yellowknife through the eyes of a tourist,” encourages Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “Spend a weekend getaway at a lodge, visit one of its unique tourism venues, take a guided tour or shop at one of our local retailers. It’s a great chance to enjoy what our capital city has to offer.”
“Tourism is identified as a key component within the City’s Economic Development Strategy,” said Mark Heyck, Mayor of Yellowknife. “Partnering with the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT Tourism is a great opportunity for us all to work together to benefit the industry.”
“These kinds of partnerships provide excellent opportunities for residents to grow their own understanding of the world-class tourism product the NWT has to offer, and to see why so many national and international visitors travel great distances at great expense to experience the Northwest Territories,” said Cathie Bolstad, Executive Director of NWT Tourism. “NWT Tourism’s participation is part of a larger initiative we will be introducing in all regions of the NWT as part of our national tourism week activities early in June.”
Until June 5th, Yellowknifers can redeem coupons for discounts, activities and free gifts at participating retailers and businesses. Each coupon will also serve as a ballot for one of four prizes to be drawn for on June 5th:
- A trip to Hearne Lake Lodge;
- A camping experience at Prelude Lake Territorial Park;
- A workshop for six at Old Town Glassworks; and
- A gift basket from Northern Frontier Visitors Centre.
Free coupon books are available at Yellowknife City Hall and the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre, and will be distributed at the ITI booth at this weekend’s Spring Trade Show.
Tourism plays a vital role in the NWT economy. In the 2013/14 fiscal year, the industry contributed $132.5 million in visitor revenue and attracted 90,000 visitors from around the world.
The NWT tourism sector holds the potential to create economic opportunities in every region of the NWT – and to contribute to the growth and realization of sustainable and vibrant communities as envisioned in the goals and priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Media inquiries:
Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca
Richard McIntosh
Communications & Economic Development Officer
City of Yellowknife
Tel: (867) 669-3424
Fax: (867)920-5649
Julie Warnock
Communications Officer
Northwest Territories Tourism
Tel: (867) 873-5007 Ext: 226
Email: julie@spectacularnwt.com