YUKON TOURISM
POISED FOR SUCCESS
Over 100 tourism delegates participated in the
program presenting pertinent industry trends and developments for
the Yukon.
Newly elected President, Rod Taylor said, "2006 represents
one of the most exciting years in recent memory in terms of opportunities
for the Tourism industry. Four factors are contributing to this
reality. a) The proposed Pan-Northern Marketing Initiative for the
upcoming 2007 CWG. b) The implementation of a new Brand Strategy
from Tourism Yukon c) The unprecedented positive and effective relationship
that currently exists between industry and government d) The fact
that this is an election year, providing an opportunity for TIA
to raise the level of debate regarding issues which are important
to industry members."
Taylor went on to say, "With the support and assistance of
the TIA Yukon membership the Board intends to aggressively pursue
and capitalize on these opportunities and is looking forward to
a very busy and successful 2006."
In addition to elections, delegates heard presentations on how
the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment (YESA) regulations
will impact tourism and the latest developments on the Yukon Tourism
Brand Strategy.
TIA Yukon has also initiated an in-Yukon, Tourism Awareness Campaign
and presented the baseline research on Yukon's attitudes and awareness
levels about tourism in their Territory.
Other highlights of the meeting included a report on the progress
of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) by President and CEO, Michele
McKenzie. Jennifer Demers, Government Relations Director with the
Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) also participate in
the program, sharing TIAC's advocacy priorities and how Yukoners
could participate. Among the messages from these national bodies
were the grossly underfunded CTC, the unacknowledged crisis in the
tourism industry regarding labour market shortages, the impacts
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the efforts by TIAC
to champion a National Tourism Strategy.
The association's new Board of Directors represents a diverse
section of the tourism industry. They are:
President, Rod Taylor - Uncommon Journeys
Vice President, June Hampton - Thomas Cook Travel
Vice President, Darielle Talarico - Talrico Consulting
Treasurer, Albert James - Budget Rent-a-Car
Past President, Noel DeChambeau - Holland America Line
Directors:
Sue Stokes - Edgewater Hotel
Sten Linde - Canadream Inc.
Bob Baxter - Yukon Brewing Co.
Wanda Leaf - Leaf Solutions Ltd.
Sue Greetham - Southern Lakes Marketing Cooperative Stephen Dunbar
- Yukon Pride Adventure Tours
Ann Bowen - Yukon College
Gary Umbrich - Takhini Hot Springs
Rob Taylor - GrayLine Yukon
TIA Yukon CEO, Patti Balsillie commented, "TIA Yukon is set
up to work for the industry – advocating to the government
for industry-friendly decisions that complement market needs as
well as assist with planning for the future."
"The industry has elected tremendous leaders to help work
on their behalf and with their experience and passion, the tourism
industry is in excellent hands," added Balsillie.
Tourism encompasses eight sectors of the industry. They are adventure,
accommodations, food and beverage, tourism services, transportation,
events and meetings, attractions and travel trade. The Yukon is
the most tourism dependent region in Canada with over 900 private
sector jobs in the Territory.
Author: Patti Balsillie
Organization: TIA Yukon
Contact: pattib@klondiker.com
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