Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Arctic Tourism organization is an industry-driven organization responsible to over 200 tourism operator members and to the government of the Northwest Territories. The NWTAT is responsible for pan-territorial tourism marketing, industry education and the development and marketing of aboriginal cultural tourism of the Northwest Territories locally, nationally and internationally.
Their vision statement is to develop a dynamic partnership between industry and government in support of our vital, viable and sustainable industry by marketing tourism and providing support to tourism operations to communities in the Northwest Territories.
This weekend, Northwest Territories Arctic Tourism will be hosting their AGM conference which will take place in Yellowknife. The keynote speaker will be Senator Nick Sibbeston. This will be the second annual tourism conference to be held in the North and I understand that the registrations have so far outnumbered their first conference.
The theme of this year's session will be "Let Your Spirit Soar." Once recent initiative of Arctic Tourism was a trip to Germany. As most of you know, I had the opportunity to represent the Northwest Territories when Minister Antoine was unavailable to go with the group at that time. Northern tour operators and representatives from organizations like Blachford Lake Lodge, Nahanni River Adventures, the Norweta, Simpson Air, Arctic Nature Tours, Canadian North and Kellet Communications and Mack Travel were part of the delegation that went to Germany. We made presentations in Munich, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt.
Mr. Speaker, German people are fascinated with the northern culture, the outdoors, the beautiful scenery and the wildlife. The northern tour division is focusing on packaging a fly and drive program which would see tourist fly into the North and renting vehicles or motor homes to travel.
The mission was a success and was a very good value. I am sure we will experience the value to the Northwest Territories in the years to come. To enter a marketplace you must understand the needs and what the people are looking for. Many key contacts were made and I believe that having the operators share their products and services personally was very effective and certainly even for myself as a long-time Northerner, it made me want to see and experience more of the North.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the very good work of Northwest Territories Arctic Tourism. Mr. Speaker, just on a personal note, this was the first time I have ever had a stamp in my passport. Flying is not one of my strong points so I would also just like to thank God that He gave me the opportunity and the safety on this trip. It was very difficult for me to board a plane for ten hours. I would be remiss in not saying that I was very thankful I was able to do that. It was a great experience. Thank you.
-- Applause