McLeod to Highlight NWT Tourism Initiatives to Ministers

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Media Advisory

YELLOWKNIFE (September 8) Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod will represent NWT interests during meetings this week of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Tourism in Toronto.Canada’s Tourism Ministers will discuss a new national tourism strategy, share information on successful measures to support the tourism sector, and discuss issues of common interest such as the 2010 Olympic Games.

Minister McLeod will have an opportunity to highlight GNWT initiatives in support of the tourism sector in the Northwest Territories.

The Tourism 2010 Plan represents one of the most significant commitments ever taken for tourism in the Northwest Territories and has resulted in a $6.5 million dollar investment in marketing, research, training and product and infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, the introduction of the Tourism Diversification and Marketing Program in 2008 is enabling many NWT tourism operators to take steps towards bettering their operations to meet future demand and match emerging trends in tourism.

Almost 12.8 million dollars was targeted by the GNWT in 2009/10 to advance tourism and parks initiatives in the interest of promoting a diversified economy. This includes a $5.4 million dollar investment in initiatives designed to promote the NWT as a place to visit and live.

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While in Ontario, the Minister will also meet with the Ontario Energy Association to speak about Arctic natural gas and the potential and benefits that can be realized to Canadians by advancing the Mackenzie Gas Project.

For more information, contact:
Drew Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2304