Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the middle of May, people of the Northwest Territories have been enjoying our many campgrounds. Our campgrounds have seen good ties with families and friends and are home to many cherished memories. They also welcome visitors to the Northwest Territories who sometimes travel remarkable distances just to enjoy spending a few days.
Our campgrounds attract a lot of tourists, and many of them are elders. We do not recognize seniors in our current rate structure. Earlier this year Cabinet agreed to increase the tourism marketing budget. We could create even more incentive to visit the NWT by offering a senior discount for out-of-territory visitors to our campgrounds.
The North American population is aging, and as more people retire they want to travel as much as they can. A large number of RV tourists are seniors. Even a small discount on their campsite is a meaningful way to welcome them to the NWT, recognize the respect we hold for elders in the Aboriginal culture, and help offset the expense of travelling all the way up here.
The cost of implementing a discount will likely be offset by increased numbers of visitors, who might even decide to extend their stay. At certain campgrounds you might look at ways to build a discounted rate into a special elders package that can include visits to nearby locations, boat tours, fishing, or late summer aurora viewing. The possibilities are endless.
The NWT has a huge tourism potential in every region. We have an opportunity to tap into the growing market of retirees who enjoy the open road and the adventures waiting for them north of 60, and offering a special rate for elders on campground visits is a key to unlocking that potential.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
