Funding towards the Yukon Elevate Tourism Program, administered by the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon, helps strengthen the dynamic tourism industry
Stunning landscapes, rich living-history, diverse Indigenous cultures and languages - the Yukon is unlike any other place in the world. With so much to offer visitors, the tourism industry is central to the identity, economy and spirit of this territory. When the pandemic caused significant disruptions to travel, the Government of Canada responded immediately to support the sector, help businesses adapt and thrive, and support local economies that depend on tourists from across Canada and the world.
Today, as part of National Tourism Week, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Yukon Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, announced a combined investment of $1.95 million towards the Yukon Elevate Tourism Program (Elevate) with a further investment of $25,000 from the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon. The total cost of the two-year project is $1.975 million.
The purpose of Elevate is to support tourism owners and operators as they adapt and grow beyond the pandemic. The program is administered and managed by the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon (TIA Yukon) and designed and delivered through a unique partnership with Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCTA) and the Wilderness Tourism Association of Yukon (WTAY). This approach ensures that the needs of Indigenous and wilderness operators are applied and that the entire sector can access these funds.
As the Government of Canada continues to move towards a sustainable approach to pandemic-related travel requirements, this investment supports product and business adaptations, and so far has allowed over 40 owners and operators to meet these new measures or adjust to changing opportunities. It also supports the sector to better understand challenges and opportunities for the resurgence of travel in the 2022 season and beyond.
This investment demonstrates the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon's ongoing support of the tourism sector throughout the pandemic, and also ensures businesses get the support they need to adapt, grow and thrive. It exemplifies the strength of partnerships as we work collaboratively between governments and with TIA Yukon, YFNCTA and WWTAY to best support tourism owners and operators across the territory.
