Qikiqtarjuaq's tourism industry gets a boost

Investments will develop tourism potential of the community and provide new economic opportunities

QIKIQTARJUAQ, NU, Feb. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor and the Honourable Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation for the Government of Nunavut, announced over $242,000 in funding to continue to develop and grow tourism in Qikiqtarjuag.

This investment builds on work Qikiqtarjuaq has been engaged in since 2012 and includes funding to create a marketing strategy, implement a cruise ship program, develop an increased online presence to provide information to guests, and enhance visitor accommodations in the community. The funds will help to create jobs in an important sector of the community's economy, support the development of local tourism-related activities, and local business development.

Quotes

"Qikiqtarjuaq's tourism industry has tremendous potential – the community has natural beauty and is just around the corner from Auyuittuq National Park. The government is investing in Qikiqtarjuaq and communities across the country to celebrate our beautiful heritage while creating new jobs and opportunities for Canadians."

Bardish Chagger
Minister of Small Business and Tourism
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Nunavut's people, land and culture are our territory's best resources. Qikiqtarjuaq is a perfect example of this, with its impressive art scene, rich marine wildlife and rugged peaks. By investing in community tourism, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation encourages responsible and sustainable development through community capacity building."

Monica Ell-Kanayuk,
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut

"Our community is learning that our world is a diverse place with many different cultures, people, landscapes and wildlife.  We are excited to share our culture and community with visitors and have been working tirelessly with our regional and Federal partners to continue to grow this economic sector which is both creating employment for our residents while at the same time, allowing our residents the opportunity to become part of a global community."

Mary Killktee
Mayor of Qikiqtarjuaq

Quick Facts  

• CanNor and the Government of Nunavut are each contributing $121,313 towards tourism development in Qikiqtarjuaq, with the community adding $41,000 and Kakivak Association $20,000. Total funding is $303,626.
• This investment builds on previous tourism activities in the community, including a tourism implementation plan and the completion of the Gathering Centre.
• The 2015 Nunavut Visitor Exit Survey found the tourism sector contributed $38 million to the territorial economy.

Associated Links  
Government of Canada Supports Tourism in Qikiqtarjuaq

Governments of Canada and Nunavut help grow Nunavut's tourism sector

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains: 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency: Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Government of Nunavut: Eugenie Kwok, Manager, Communications, 867-975-7818; Municipality of Qikiqtarjuaq: Geela Kooneeliusie, Senior Administrative Office, 867-927-8832

Related Links

http://www.cannor.gc.ca