Mr. Speaker, picture this: Standing beneath the dancing aurora as the night sky comes alive; gliding across a pristine lake so still it mirrors the world above; or tracking the footsteps of generations before us along an ancient northern trail. This is the magic of the Northwest Territories; Mr. Speaker, a land that captivates the soul and invites adventure-seekers from around the world. Tourism is not just an industry here; it is a gateway to land, culture, and to the wonderful people who call this place home.
Last year, visitors spent over $129 million experiencing our spectacular, breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and the unmatched warmth of northern hospitality. As we turn the page on Tourism 2025, Roadmap to Recovery, it is time to chart our next journey. That's why our government is developing Tourism 2030, an ambitious, forward-looking five-year strategy to drive sustainable growth, expand opportunities, and build a more resilient tourism sector.
Mr. Speaker, Tourism 2030 will be shaped by those who know it best: Our guides, operators, Indigenous governments, and communities who bring the NWT experience to life. Through open conversations, online surveys, and in-person engagement, we will identify opportunities and challenges that reflect the unique strengths of the Northwest Territories and its communities.
Tourism in the NWT is more than an economic driver; it is a storyteller. It showcases landscapes, cultures, traditions, and ways of life that are real and deeply impactful. We will continue to champion community-based tourism and authentic Indigenous experience in ensuring that stories are told by the people who live them. By fostering collaboration and supporting local entrepreneurs, we can grow tourism in a way that benefits every region, while offering visitors what they seek: authenticity, immersion, and adventure.
Mr. Speaker, we know that tourism has the power to diversify our economy, especially in remote communities. Our resource sector remains vital, but tourism opens up new possibilities; ones that uniquely align economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and cultural revitalization. Last year, over 600,000 users visited the Spectacular NWT website. Now I want to see these online visitors go beyond the screen and book flights, purchase packages, and experience the magic of the NWT firsthand.
To make Tourism 2030 a success, we are committed to transparency and accountability. We will share findings from public engagement through What We Heard reports, and the final strategy will reflect Northern voices. This is an opportunity to build a tourism industry that strengthens our economy, empowers communities, and secures the NWT's reputation as a world-class destination for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is more than a destination; it is an experience that you carry with you long after you leave. It is where nature, culture, and history intertwine like our winding rivers, shaping stories found nowhere else in the world. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future of tourism together with our spectacular NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of ITI. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.
