Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories offers many natural wonders, a rich and vibrant culture, and a completely unique experience that draws in tourists from Canada and the entire world. It is appropriate that we give special mention to our spectacular Northwest Territories on the occasion of National Tourism Week. Tourism Week in Canada is a grassroots initiative that brings attention to the economic opportunity created through travel and tourism. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the public policy challenges preventing the sector from capitalizing on those opportunities and challenging governments on their approach to supporting this vibrant sector of the economy. It is no secret that our territorial tourism sector is a growth industry, exponentially increasing year-on-year to become a $146.6-million industry, rising to our most promising path to future prosperity and a key sector as the government pursues greater economic diversification. More than 93,000 visitors come for northern adventures in our territories, and that's up from 64,000 only five years ago.
Mr. Speaker, National Tourism Week is also an opportunity to celebrate our communities, and I would like to take a moment to tell you a few of my favourite things to do in the City of Yellowknife, a place I am very proud to call home. Yellowknife has a vibrant local cultural scene with plenty to do for our residents and tourists alike. We have outstanding musical performances at the annual Folk on the Rocks festival and world-class filmmaking on display at the Dead North Film Festival. Why not enjoy a refreshing craft-brewed beverage at the NWT Brewing Company, recently recognized in Red Racer's Across the Nation Collaboration national celebration tour with their Miner's Refresh Grissette? In the winter months, there is no finer place to see the aurora than here in the capital, or how about watching The Canadian Championship Dog Derby on the side-lines or throw on some long-underwear and join in the festivities at the Long John Jamboree. These are a just a few of the reason I love my home town and why Yellowknife has become a premier destination for tourists the world over.
With so much on the go in Yellowknife, I often find it hard to keep up. I'm thankful that visitors to Yellowknife have access to a fantastic visitor's centre in the past to help them connect to these local events and to adventures all over the NWT; however, it is a sad day when that institution is forced to close. The Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre has delivered premium tourism information services for many years and, in its absence, it is sorely missed. I'll have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment on the long-term plans for tourism information services here, in the City of Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.