Tourism Yukon’s 2018 Year-End Report shows the territory’s tourism sector had another banner year in 2018, setting new records for a number of key indicators, with further growth projected for 2019.

The Yukon government said Monday that 2018 highlights include:

• direct international border crossings into the Yukon surpassing 500,000 entries, representing 15 per cent growth from 2017;

• increases in overnight visitors and air arrivals at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport by five and six per cent, respectively; and

• retail sales rising almost five per cent to $837 million.

“In addition to 2018’s strong performance, the report forecasts continued growth for 2019 with projected increases across all key indicators,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys.

“As the numbers from recent years show, the collective efforts of our tourism operators, industry partners and the Department of Tourism are paying off.

“Yukon’s appeal as a year-round world-class travel destination is growing and, with the release of our new Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, we are well-positioned to sustainably grow tourism for the benefit of all Yukoners,” Dendys added.

The Canadian Tourism Research Institute estimates that the Yukon saw 323,000 overnight visitors in 2018, an increase of 4.8 per cent over 2017. 

Last year saw 194,000 air passenger arrivals at Erik Neilson Whitehorse International Airport, representing six per cent growth over 2017. 

The Canadian Tourism Research Institute estimates that total visitor spending in Yukon reached $348 million in 2018, nearly eight per cent over 2017. 

In 2018, nearly 61,900 non-residents camped at one of the Yukon’s 41 government campgrounds – an increase of 11 per cent over 2017. 

Between May and September 2018, nearly 393,800 people went to one of the Yukon’s seven visitor information centres.