The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has provided $306,670 in grants for three projects designed to stimulate and diversify the Yukon's tourism industry.

The funding is part of more than $3.4 million over four years to promote the Yukon as a travel destination to overseas tourists. The plans were announced at a news conference this morning in Whitehorse.

Of the money, $75,000 will be spent on a MacBride Museum-Colourful Five Percent display.

The Colourful Five Percent is a well-known Yukon theme highlighting the vast array of characters that have a significant impact in shaping the heritage and culture of Yukon.

The name most synonymous with the Colourful Five Percent is Jim Robb, the Yukon artist who has been gathering, recording and promoting Yukon history since 1960.

Museum staff will work with Robb to organize and display his considerable personal collection of Yukon history and artifacts. Robb has advocated such a project for many years.

The Carcross Tagish Development Corp. is receiving $96,000 for a cultural industries carving project.

The funding will be used to purchase six totem poles carved by Carcross-Tagish First Nation carvers.

The totem poles will be used to create awareness of Carcross culture and heritage while promoting the First Nation community as a tourism destination.

The Klondike Visitors Association is receiving $135,670 over three years for an e-tourism central sales and reservation system.

The pilot project is designed to boost tourism in Dawson City.

It involves a central reservation system where consumers can create and book their own customized packages of accommodations, tours, dining and other events. The focus of the project is on product development and improved marketing and promotion.

Over four years, marketing and promotion of Yukon will be expanded thanks to $2 million from CanNor and $1,411,000 from the territorial Department of Tourism and Culture. Such international markets as Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea are being targeted.

"Canada's North is home to beautiful landscapes, rich cultural diversity and traditions, and uniquely Northern hospitality – all strong attractions for international visitors,” said John Duncan, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development who was at this morning's news conference.

"These investments will promote the beauty of Yukon and support the growth of businesses in Yukon's tourism sector.”

"Strengthening the awareness of Yukon in overseas markets will increase international interest in Yukon as a tourism destination,” said Leona Aglukkaq, the MP for Nunavut and the regional minister for the North and Minister of Health.

"Our government supports a strong and dynamic tourism industry that will showcase Yukon as a unique destination to visitors from around the world.”

"Through further investment in international marketing efforts, Yukon Tourism and its industry partners will be able to build on Yukon's position as a growing international tourism destination,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor.

"We look forward to taking full advantage of tourism growth opportunities through international travel trade, media, and consumer channels in keeping with our marketing plans.”