ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.2.8

We will increase exports by working with the tourism, diamonds, and traditional economy sectors to promote NWT products to international markets.

Tourism

Tourism is the NWT's single largest renewable resource-based sector contributing more than $201 million to the NWT economy in 2016-2017.  NWT Tourism numbers reached record heights in 2016-2017 with over 100,000 visitors travelling to the NWT.

As our destination Marketing Organization, NWT Tourism receives core funding to market and promote the NWT around the world and across a number of promotional platforms.  This includes funding dedicated to promoting and marketing initiatives specific to each of our regions.

The Tourism 2020 Plan: Opening our Spectacular Home to the World will guide tourism investment by the Government of the Northwest Territories through to 2020-2021.

Diamonds

There are currently two Approved Northwest Territories Diamond Manufacturers in the NWT: Crossworks Manufacturing Limited and Almod Diamonds Limited.

The addition of Almod diamonds has confirmed the potential of our manufacturing sector to move forward.  It means opportunities for our territory directly related to the international marketing of our diamonds.

Traditional Economy

On behalf of NWT trappers, Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) facilitates the promotion, marketing and sale of NWT furs through national and international auctions (milestone 3).

The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) and Hide and Fur Procurement Programs are designed to market NWT furs in the national and international marketplace to support the NWT traditional economy and residents wishing to live and work in a traditional employment lifestyle.

The industry partnership between the GNWT, American Legend Cooperative, Fur Harvesters and Saga Furs continues to realize benefits including international exposure, positive recognition of the GMVF brand and convenient access to the world fur markets.

The GNWT’s support is reflected in the fact that NWT trappers consistently out-perform trappers from across Canada and the United States.

Related Mandate Commitments

• Commitment 1.2.7 - We will expand tourism options and provide high quality public facilities by:
  • Expanding and modernizing our parks infrastructure and signage.
  • Improving road side facilities along remote highways.
  • Building new parks such as Doi T'oh Territorial Park in the Sahtú Region.
• Commitment 1.2.9 - We will attract direct foreign investment, and cross-promote minerals, furs, fish, forest products, and tourism to investors