NWT Tourism Update
We have a few brief updates to share with you today.
TRIP funding to help tourism operators with reopening
As the Northwest Territories (NWT) moves into summer, tourism operators are beginning to welcome visitors back, and funding is once again available to support the restart of licensed tourism-operations through the Tourism Restart Investment Program (TRIP).
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is contributing $600,000 from the federal Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing an additional $150,000. Licensed tourism operators must provide 10 per cent equity and are eligible for a range of funding from $4,500 to $22,500.
TRIP will provide funding to eligible applicants to support:
• marketing activities and materials for domestic and international audiences,
• recruitment, training and capacity building for new and returning employees,
• adapting or enhancing health and safety protocols for tourism activities, and
• reopening maintenance activities to ensure tourism operators are ready to receive visitors.
Funding is available to tourism operators with a valid Tourism Operator Licence (TOL) in the NWT. Non-profit organizations meeting the requirements are eligible.
Applicants will be required to prioritize the use of NWT goods, services and construction to support local employment and community economies.
The deadline for applications is July 4, 2022.
For more information and to apply click here.
Federal Government Engagement Opportunity
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, will work with tourism businesses, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism partners to develop a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that will plot a course for growth, investment and stability.
On May 18, 2022, the Government of Canada launched the formal engagement period to develop the new strategy. It will build on the work already done since the launch of the original strategy in 2019, with a particular focus on:
- Labour gaps and instability
- Investment attraction and destination development
- Long-term economic growth across the country
Stakeholders are asked to share their views on how Canada can build on its reputation as a world-class destination by sending an email to tourisminfo-tourismeinfo@ised-isde.gc.ca. The deadline for submitting feedback is 11:59 pm (ET) on July 20, 2022. You can find more information here
Yellowknife Airport 20-Year Master Plan
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is finalizing the Yellowknife Airport 20-Year Master Plan. The purpose of a Master Plan is to promote growth along with guiding present and future airport development.
Two options for future development have been identified.
Option 1: A new terminal building and associated airside development will be built at the junction of the two runways.
Option 2: A new terminal building and associated airside development will be built on the west side of the airport on the Deh Cho Boulevard Truck Route.
Residents are invited to review both options and provide feedback by taking our online survey. Deadline: June 12, 2022
For information and to take the survey, visit https://haveyoursay.nwt-tno.ca/yzf masterplan.
NWTT Staffing Updates
We would like to introduce Brandon Lucier to the NWT Tourism team. Brandon has joined us as the Office/Digital Marketing Asset Administrator, replacing Erica Lee. Erica has moved into the role of Member Services & Consumer Markets Coordinator. If you get a chance to stop into the office Brandon will be the one greeting you as you come in, please join us in welcoming Brandon to the team.