Yukon NDP MLA accuses gov't of neglecting tourism industry

The Yukon government is stinting on promoting the territory's tourism potential, according to the New Democratic tourism critic in the legislature,Kevin Barr.

Barr said jurisdictions like Newfoundland and Iceland realize it's important to rely more on tourism during lean times.Newfoundland will spend $13 million on tourism marketing this year, compared to $900,000 in the Yukon, he noted.

When Newfoundland introduced its tourism strategy in 2009, it wanted to reach annual tourism revenues of$1.6 billion by 2020, Barr said, butsurpassed $1 billionby2011.

Barrasked in the legislaturewhen the Yukon government would expend a similar commitment to marketingin the Yukon.

"Will this governmentcommit to developing a tourism strategy that includes consistent long-term funding for tourism marketing?"

ElaineTaylor, the territory's Minister of Tourism,replied that tourism is already a "very large industry" in the territory.

"It contributes over $250 million dollars annually in our economy, generates jobs for approximately 25 per cent of our employed residents." she said.

The government supports the industry by investing in product development, visitor services, and research and marketing, Taylor added. In addition itworks with industry, through the Tourism Industry Association.

The government is spending $2.7 million on the 'Yukon Now' marketing programover the next three years, which includes television and digital advertising incorporatinguser generated content.