Backgrounder - CanNor Supports Growth of Francophone Tourism in the North
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing $290,000 to attract increased francophone tourism and investment to Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
The Association Franco-Yukonnaise (AFY) will use the funding for three projects. First will be a special publication celebrating the 30th anniversary of AFY and promoting francophone business, organizations, services and cultural events in the territory. AFY will also translate and print the Yukon Visitor Guide for distribution at Yukon Visitor Information Centres in partnership with Tourism Yukon and at tourism and consumer trade shows across Canada. Finally, a thematic folder will be created to provide promotional materials on request and at conferences and events.
Funding will be used by CDÉTNO to spark investment in new enterprises, attract francophone workers and visitors, and create linkages with businesses in the territory by organizing a trade mission to France and Belgium and participating in tradeshows in Quebec.
To strengthen its partnerships in the territory, CDÉTNO will develop and distribute French-language tourism marketing and communications materials that support Government of Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories Tourism and other tourism organizations' goals to increase visitors. Building on its work to establish connections in the territory, CDÉTNO will meet with tourism operators in Hay River, Inuvik and Fort Smith to identify the francophone services currently available and identify opportunities where it can offer support. To encourage business tourism, it will also provide workshops and support services to attract events and conventions in partnership with municipal and regional tourism organizations.
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development and research.
