Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the 2009-2010 Tourism Marketing Plan prepared by Northwest Territories Tourism. As Minister responsible for tourism, I approve the annual plan on the recommendation of the Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee.

This committee is made up of 10 members from the tourism industry as well as two government representatives. The Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee provides strategic direction to Northwest Territories Tourism on development of the marketing plan for each year.

The Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee and Northwest Territories Tourism work well together, and through constructive dialogue, the marketing plan has improved each year. The plan for 2009-2010 has benefited not only from guidance from committee, but also from direct advice from our industry sectors.

The plan has a number of highlights, including clear goals and objectives by market, greater investment in our business markets, and recognition of the importance of our high spending competition closer to home in Alberta and British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to report some good news on developments in our tourism industry in light of the challenging stories we have been hearing about the travel industry lately.

While there is no doubt that the current economic downturn is having negative impacts on travel worldwide, I am confident that the tourism industry in the Northwest Territories will be, over the long term, healthy and robust.

In our Tourism 2010 plan, the Legislative Assembly approved initiatives designed to increase tourism spending to $145 million by March 31, 2011. I am pleased to report that as of March 31, 2008, most recent estimates indicate that visitor spending was just over $137 million for 2007.

Growth in business travel has driven much of the increase in visitor spending. Our investment of $1 million annually through Tourism 2010 has helped prepare our tourism operators to take advantage of this opportunity. Research, training and product development initiatives funded through Tourism 2010 has resulted in new partnerships and tourist package products, as well as new products aimed at both business travellers and leisure markets.

While we still have two years left in the Tourism 2010 plan, we are consulting with the tourism industry on Tourism 2015, a new plan to build on the momentum, experiences and successes achieved through Tourism 2010.

I would like to pass on to my colleagues the appreciation that the industry has expressed to me for the support that the Legislative Assembly has provided to our tourism businesses. Your support in providing investment in this sector will benefit our residents and our economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.