YELLOWKNIFE (January 23, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay, and MLA Robert Hawkins promoted the NWT as a spectacular tourism destination in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong during the China Trade Mission.
“Our territory’s pristine wilderness and untouched landscape have great tourism potential,” said Minister Ramsay. “Whether you are interested in arts and culture, fine dining, or outdoor adventure, we have it. Our experienced outfitters will teach you anything you need to know about getting the most out of your adventure: hiking and paddling beneath the midnight sun, fishing and hunting with our guides, or wildlife viewing. And don’t forget that the Northwest Territories is known as the Aurora Capital of the World where you can watch nature’s greatest light show.”
The NWT delegation also includes a representative from a Yellowknife tour company that caters specifically to the Chinese market and provides services in Mandarin and Cantonese. Meetings and presentations during the trade mission have expanded the NWT tourism industry’s connections in China, especially with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Associations of Travel Agents and the Canada Tourism Commission in Beijing.
“Building business partnerships in China is key to increasing the amount of Chinese people who visit the NWT. Our new contacts in China have told us they are very interested in the NWT’s cultural getaways, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and authentic Aboriginal art.” said Minister Ramsay. “We are proud to share our traditional Arctic lifestyles with visitors and help the world to understand our territory’s unique cultures.”
NWT Tourism launched its inaugural Chinese tourism campaign in the fall of 2013 using a portion of new funds from a 2013 budget increase, to $2.8 million from $1.6 million, representing the first parcel of new funding allocated by the Department of ITI.
The GNWT is developing four key tourism markets: camping and touring, outdoor adventure, aurora viewing, and business travel, with the goal of increasing the value of the tourism industry to $130 million by 2015/2016. Investments in environmentally sustainable tourism development support businesses, communities, and artisans throughout the NWT. They also provide unique opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal and other northern governments while diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable, vibrant communities, two of the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
For more information, contact:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111