The committee emphasized that tourism has the potential to be an important contributor to the economy of the Northwest Territories. However, proposed funding levels for this sector is expected to decrease slightly from $1.056 million to $1.044 million. Although the proposed decrease of $12,000 is minimal, in real terms it represents continuing erosion in funding for tourism.
Committee members are concerned that tourism continues to receive inadequate levels of funding and if this sector of the economy is expected to grow, more funding and support is required.
The committee also noted the lack of a NWT presence at the Expo in Hanover, Germany. Europe represents a large market for tourism and northern products and committee members were of the opinion that the government might be prudent to have a presence there.
The department explained that it could not afford a booth at Expo. However, the committee suggested that advanced planning for upcoming Expos might result in greater savings.