YELLOWKNIFE (May 29, 2015) – A wide variety of events and activities are taking place across the Northwest Territories in celebration of National Tourism Week, which runs from May 31 to June 6 this year.

In the 2013/14 fiscal year, the tourism industry contributed a staggering $132.5 million in visitor revenue and attracted 90,000 visitors from around the world – the highest number of visitors in a decade.

“We owe the success and growth of this industry to the tourism workforce that creates memorable experiences for visitors,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “As we increase training opportunities, tourism programs and services, and community infrastructure, we are building a bright future for this industry and the economy.”

Tourism Week activities in the NWT include:

North Slave Region:

• June 2: Visit CDETNO at the Yellowknife Farmers’ Market as they launch the bilingualBalado Discovery App “Old Yellowknife walking tour”, which features 33 points of interest around Old Town.
• June 5 at 4:30pm: Grand Prize Draw for the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” Campaign at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre.
  • 1st prize – two-night, all-inclusive stay for two people at Hearne Lake Lodge
  • 2nd prize – a weekend camping package at Prelude Lake Territorial Park
  • 3rd prize – a six-person Oldtown Glassworks Workshop
  • 4th prize – a gift basket showcasing local arts and crafts
• June 6: Second Annual World Shore Lunch Championship

Location: Northern Frontier Visitor Centre, begins at 3:30pm

Deh Cho Region:

• June 5: Fort Simpson: Tourism Community BBQ – Door prizes to be won
  Location: Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre, 12:00 pm
• June 3: Fort Simpson: Tourism Week Open House. Snacks and refreshments available
  Location: Simpson Air, 1:00-3:00pm

Beaufort Delta Region:

• June 1: “Inuvik Eats”: lunch specials and discounts available at local restaurants
• June 2: Picnic and Parks Day at Jim Koe Park
• June 3: Images and Film (20×20 film exhibit, film screening, Arctic movie night)
• June 4: Shop and Explore Local (Free local tours including the Inuvik Greenhouse, Church, Ingamo Hall, free swimming, visitor centre, and kennel tours)

Sahtu Region:

• June 3: Community Cook Out, Norman Wells Historical Society

Enter the raffle to win some great prizes:

• 1st prize – a weekend fishing trip for two to Grey Goose Lodge
• 2nd prize – a day on the river and a shore lunch for four with Mountain River Outdoor Adventures
• 3rd prize- $500 gift certificate to the museum gift shop

South Slave Region:

• June 1-5 Open house at the Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith.

NWT Wide:

• NWT Tourism is hosting a “BestOfNWT” contest. Share what you think are the best tourism experiences in the NWT and it could be featured on the cover of the 2016 Explorers’ Guide. GoPro cameras are available in Hay River, Norman Wells, Yellowknife, Inuvik and Fort Simpson to help you capture the spectacular NWT. The contest website, BestOfNWT.com will launch June 1 at noon and submissions can be made throughout the summer.

 By supporting the economic opportunities within the tourism industry, ITI is helping to build a strong and sustainable future for the NWT, a priority 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