YELLOWKNIFE (June 13, 2014) – National Tourism Week in Canada takes place June 16-20 this year and NWT residents are invited to take part in events across the territory. Tourism is the greatest renewable resource in the NWT and contributes $100 million to the economy each year.
“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to recognize the talented and dedicated workforce in the tourism sector who do a superb job of showcasing our spectacular territory,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “Tourism is a vital industry and has the potential to drive economic growth and opportunity in every region of the NWT.”
For the 2012/13 year, the NWT welcomed over 76,000 tourists to the territory – one of the highest visitor numbers in the last decade.
To celebrate Tourism Week, Northwest Territories Tourism has created a contest that provides residents with a chance to win one of five amazing trips for two. Each trip package is to a different region of the NWT. Residents can enter by filling out an online ballot and double their chances to win by submitting a photo or video along with a short description of a favourite trip taken in the NWT. NWT residents can enter at exploreyourspectacularnwt.com. The contest closes June 22, 2014.
By providing robust tourism programs and business funding, the GNWT is helping to increase employment and strengthen the territorial economy, a priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly. The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy is also aimed at increasing direct and indirect tourism opportunities in every region in the NWT.
Activities are taking place throughout the NWT for National Tourism Week. Information on specific events can be found in the attached backgrounder.
For more information:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca
