Yukon Tourism Receives Boost

Funding will support marketing of Yukon as a destination, and business development opportunities for First Nations communities, artists, and tourism entrepreneurs

WHITEHORSE, Jan. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, today announced an investment of almost $3 million to help boost the Yukon tourism industry, at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The non-profit Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association will benefit from $1,000,000 in federal funding over three years to help connect First Nations artisans with business development and tourism opportunities. Part of this work will be through a territory-wide branding strategy and marketing research, as well as capacity development support and training.

Funding of $1,800,000 over two years will support the Yukon Now tourism marketing campaign, which will use a set of strategic marketing tools, including the six television commercials produced through the first phase of the program, to promote Yukon as a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Quotes

"It takes collaboration and partnership from everyone – every level of government and every corner of our industry – to create and maintain growth in tourism: because tourism is part of every Canadian community from coast to coast to coast. Investments in tourism create jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it. As we celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, it also provides an excellent opportunity to draw attention to the industry and the people who drive it."

Bardish Chagger,
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"The Government of Yukon looks forward to partnering with the Government of Canada and the tourism industry as we build on the momentum of the Yukon Now tourism marketing program. We are pleased to support the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association's incredible efforts in working with Yukon's many talented Indigenous artists to create meaningful and authentic cultural experiences for visitors."

Jeanie Dendys
Minister of Tourism and Culture
Government of Yukon

"We are thrilled and very thankful for this three year funding from CanNor. It will have a huge impact on our ability to deliver meaningful programs and services to our stakeholders. We look forward to working with our many partners across the Yukon to help communities, artists and tourism entrepreneurs maximize the growing opportunities in the culture and tourism industries. We are very excited about the future and know that the cultural tourism industry is a steward for sharing and preserving our culture, and a very important economic driver for our communities."

Shirlee Frost
President
Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association

Quick Facts

• For the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association's Market Readiness Development Initiative, CanNor is contributing $1,000,000 in addition to a $252,500 investment from YFNCT and $600,000 from a variety of other government and industry funding programs.
• For the second phase of the Yukon Now Tourism Initiative, CanNor is contributing $1,800,000 in addition to the Government of Yukon's initial investment of $1,800,000.

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

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