Welcome to the Spectacular NWT Tourism Industry Website

The tourism industry in the Northwest Territories is vibrant and growing. This industry website is meant for all businesses and individuals involved in the tourism industry in the Northwest Territories. On this site you will find useful information and news related to the tourism industry, upcoming events, and information about membership in the association. 

News & Updates

This week, the Government of Canada announced the easing of federal border measures for fully vaccinated travellers. In the NWT, benchmarks are set in the "Emerging Wisely 2021" document. NWT Board of Directors will meet with CPHO Dr. Kami Kandola, and members are asked to submit questions by no later than August 4th at noon.
Northwest Territories Tourism is pleased to encourage the pursuit of excellence in the Tourism Industry in the Northwest Territories. This is our official call for applicants to our 2021 Tourism Scholarship Program.
Today Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caroline Wawzonek announced two new support programs for licensed tourism operators and licensed accommodation providers across the NWT. This is positive news, and we encourage all members to access these new supports if possible.
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer is allowing remote tourism activities to resume in the Northwest Territories for the summer season in 2021 under certain conditions. This is an important first step in the restart of tourism in the NWT.
The Liquor Legislation Review that was scheduled for April 8th has now been rescheduled to Friday, April 30th from 9:30-11:30 am. This meeting is specifically for our industry, and we encourage as many members as possible to attend.
It has been very busy on the advocacy front. Advocacy efforts have included efforts with the Federal Government, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the GNWT Covid Secretariat and the GNWT other departments.
Northwest Territories Tourism, as the advocacy association of the tourism industry in the Northwest Territories, is extremely concerned with the bureaucratic hold-up of the lodge permits required by the Government of the Northwest Territories to enable the opening of Frontier Lodge in Lutsel K’e.
If you aren't currently participating in the Northern Staycation program or you would like to highlight a new Spring Break offer, NWT Tourism would like to help you get the word out at no cost to you! Please contact us today.
With unprecedented challenges facing NWT residents and the tourism industry, NWT Tourism along with the GNWT-ITI is continuing on with important research that will inform destination marketing plans and help to optimize activities, timing and messaging that will support the rebuild and recovery of the NWT’s tourism industry, when the time is right.
Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories - Industry, Tourism & Investment, announced that businesses can now apply to the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Program for funding to get businesses financial books in order.
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors for NWT Tourism occurred on September 30th. Items included in the member update include: marketing resources shifted to operator support programs, new partnership with Destination Canada, Board Member adherence to By-Laws, Tourism Industry Survey Results & 2020 Resolutions, and an Annual General Meeting Update.
The new member offers guided and self-guided drives on the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean, and photography trips on the Dempster Highway and the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway to the Arctic Ocean.
Destination Canada reports that In 2018, international overnight arrivals to Canada reached a new height of 21.13 million visitors, surpassing the record level previously achieved in 2017 by 1.2% and breaking the 21 million mark for the first time ever.
The 22nd annual NWT Tourism Conference and Annual General Meeting was held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories from November 6-8, 2018. Speakers inspired delegates to think about changes, challenges and opportunities for the tourism industry in the NWT and how to navigate those changes and challenges and pursue new opportunities in the year ahead.
The spectacular Northwest Territories was on display as part of Canada's China Tourism Mission. The mission is being led by Minister Chagger, federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism. It took place in China from June 21 to 28, 2018 and included business meetings in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. The federal trade mission provided national and regional tourism industry representatives with an exceptional platform to advance Canadian tourism interests and it was aligned with a major annual event in Beijing organized by the Canada China Business Council.