FRANCAIS

September 26, 2001

CHURCHILL, Man.--As part of the provincial government's commitment to support sustainable economic activities for northern communities, Premier Gary Doer today announced a commitment of over $500,000 to support the development of an eco-tourism and adventure travel industry in Manitoba.

"The future of the North is dependent on northerners tapping into sustainable economic development opportunities," said Doer. "Eco-tourism and adventure travel are proving to be valuable economic activities for local communities throughout the world. Our goal is to build on Manitoba's attributes and take a leadership role in developing eco-tourism in our province."

Doer noted that increasing numbers of international tourists are attracted to Churchill by polar bears and beluga whales. In addition, thousands of tourists including hikers, canoeists, trekkers, nature photographers, bird watchers and mountain bikers are attracted to Manitoba's vast unspoiled and undeveloped lands which are home to many unique wildlife species.

As part of the announcement, up to $450,000 will go toward research and development as well as training and marketing initiatives. This will include enhancing tourism infrastructure and developing high quality experiences that can be promoted in the international marketplace.

Specifically, a new Adventure Travel Guide and enhancements to the provincial tourism Web site will be launched during the 2002 Travel Manitoba campaign. Promotions will target both 'thrill seeking' tourists who would be interested in an experience such as wilderness canoeing on the Bloodvein River as well as those seeking softer adventure experiences such as hiking in Manitoba's pristine wilderness.

Doer also announced:

• funding of $90,000 to Keewatin Community College over three years to provide greater opportunities in the eco-tourism industry by redeveloping its eco-tourism program to make it available online and more accessible throughout the province; and
• funding of $35,000 to the Northern Tourism Committee which will leverage $37,000 in partner contributions towards national and international marketing projects.

Many of these initiatives originated at a tourism forum, hosted earlier this year by the premier. The forum brought together more than 160 leaders in tourism, labour and government to establish strategic priorities. A full 42 per cent of participants named nature-based tourism as a top priority for expansion.

Doer noted that the World Tourism Organization has identified adventure travel and eco-tourism as two of the five fastest growing market segments for the 21^st century, increasing at an annual rate of between 10 and 30 per cent. The United Nations has designated 2002 as the international year of eco-tourism.

Tourism in Manitoba annually generates over $1 billion in revenues and creates 60,000 full and part-time jobs.

"Today’s announcements represent Manitoba’s commitment to build upon eco-tourism and adventure travel," said Doer. "Manitoba is fortunate to have an opportunity to build upon this growing and dynamic market."

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