Mr. Speaker, tourism is a vital industry here in the Northwest Territories. It is our largest renewable industry, a $130 million sector that hosted 73,000 visitors in 2008-2009. It is also an industry that casts a wide net economically, as all our regions benefit from tourism activity.
Because of the importance and the potential of our tourism industry, it is critical that we market the Northwest Territories outstanding range of tourism products and that we consistently develop effective plans to do so.
Mr. Speaker, with that goal in mind, I’m extremely pleased with the results of Northwest Territories Tourism 2010-11 Marketing Plan, which will be tabled in the House today.
Northwest Territories Tourism was supported in its work by the Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee, which is made up of 10 members from the tourism industry and two government representatives. The committee provides strategic direction each year to Northwest Territories Tourism on development of the marketing plan and the committee and Northwest Territories’ Tourism have an excellent relationship based on constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
I believe the 2010-11 Marketing Plan is an excellent one and it has benefited not only from the guidance of the Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee, but also from direct advice from our industry sectors.
Mr. Speaker, there is much our Territory has to offer the world when it comes to tourism experiences. For example, our Territory is known for its world-class sport fishing, aurora viewing, road touring, outdoor adventure and hunting. And as the marketing plan points out, the Northwest Territories is increasingly seen as a unique location for hosting small and medium-size meetings and conventions.
But the tourism industry is an extremely competitive one and we need to continually position ourselves as a travel destination of choice. The Northwest Territories Tourism 2010-11 Marketing Plan will help us accomplish this. The plan is about building on our achievements to realize our growth potential. It outlines the priorities for increasing tourism revenues within the Northwest Territories. It also identifies emerging markets, such as Mexico, Australia and South Korea, that could help our tourism industry grow. These initiatives and this information are important if we are to increase the size and scope of the tourism sector in every region of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, a prosperous tourism industry builds on what the Northwest Territories has to offer: a beautiful landscape, rich cultures and a willingness to share both of these with the world. It will contribute towards a Territory with a diversified and healthy economy that provides all regions and communities with choices as envisioned by the 16th Legislative Assembly through Northerners Working Together. That is why we must continue to focus on developing tourism here in the Northwest Territories. This marketing plan will go a long way toward helping the Government of the Northwest Territories to achieve this goal.
In closing, I would like to thank Northwest Territories Tourism and the Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee for the leadership and vision they have shown in developing this marketing plan. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
