Statement from Minister Streicker on National Tourism Week

Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to join Yukoners and many others across Canada in marking National Tourism Week, celebrated from April 15 to 19 this year.

“Led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Tourism Week is a national, grassroots initiative that celebrates and recognizes the importance of the travel and tourism sector.

“This year’s theme, Canada: Powered by Tourism, highlights the numerous impacts tourism organizations, businesses and other partners make not only to our economy, but also to our quality of life and cultural fabric.

“Tourism provides the Yukon with sustainable, diversified growth that balances economic development with environmental, community and cultural values. It provides valuable revenue to businesses and employment opportunities for Yukoners. It also presents an opportunity to share the Yukon’s diverse culture and heritage while supporting vibrant and healthy communities across the territory. 

“And of course – it also affords visitors the opportunity to ‘be a little bit metal'.

“This past year, the Yukon tourism sector saw significant improvement in both visitation and revenues attributable to visitors over the previous year. While the total number of visitors is still not back to 2019 levels, we are confident  that 2024 will be another strong year.

“Our government is making historic investments in tourism through Budget 2024–25, with approximately $75 million for ongoing critical improvements to the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, $1.6 million in funding for sustainable community tourism development projects, along with $75,000 in the capital budget for the next three fiscal years to invest in historic sites, and $75,000 to support the development of new and emerging entrepreneurs offering innovative visitor experiences and services within the Yukon’s tourism sector, alongside other important projects to enhance our territory’s tourism sector.

“Thank you to all the passionate, committed and enthusiastic Yukoners who champion our territory and showcase the natural beauty and cultural abundance of our home. The Government of Yukon truly appreciates the tourism sector’s contribution to building thriving communities and a prosperous territory in support of the goals of the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy.

“Join me in celebrating the Yukon tourism sector today – and every day.”