Mr. Chairman, we looked at and analyzed a number of different options for having a presence on the ground in Japan that would help us promote our aurora tourism sector; some of them more expensive than others. To have a permanent presence, a trade office, if you will, the way Alberta and some of the other jurisdictions do in Japan is very expensive. So what we looked at was something a little more conservative and we have had discussions with the NWT Tourism Group. They are interested in pursuing the option as they currently have with an agent responsible for Europe, finding an agent responsible for Japan. It's likely that that organization, NWTT, would be responsible for finding an agent, although we want to ensure that they and the department, that we are collectively able to work with the local operators here to find somebody that the operators can agree on. That's not always the easiest piece. We want to find somebody who the operators believe will have an impact and can work with the main organizations in Japan to drive traffic here. So that is something we are talking about. This is something the NWTT is interested in. They feel it's been successful in Europe and they would like to duplicate the approach as it relates to Japan. Now it may not be exactly in the same manner, but we are looking at a number of options or solutions. It's more in this area as compared to a permanent trade office. Thank you.
Brendan Bell on Committee Motion 47-15(5): Increased Investment In Tourism, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on March 5th, 2007. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 47-15(5): Increased Investment In Tourism, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 5th, 2007
Page 1190
See context to find out what was said next.