The Yukon hosted the first meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial tourism ministers North of 60 last week at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Maxime Bernier, the federal minister of state for Small Business and Tourism, was in the city for the event.

"Over the past couple of days, my provincial and territorial colleagues and I had very productive discussions on tourism in Canada,” he said during a closing press conference. It was held Friday morning against the backdrop of the rushing Yukon River.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll all be returning home with renewed energy ready to build momentum on the ultimate goal of welcoming more and more visitors to explore everything our beautiful country has to offer,” said Bernier.

"As you know, the tourism industry is an important driver of our economy, creating jobs and growth in every region in our country, including right here in larger-than-life Yukon.

"More important, tourism is a unique industry because it reflects our very identity, celebrating our people and our places while welcoming the world to share those treasures with us,” said Bernier.

Discussion over the two days covered such topics as:

• how to capitalize on international market opportunities;

• how to facilitate access to Canada for visitors by land and air; and

• updates on progress on the Beyond the Border initiative with the U.S.

Yukon Tourism Minister Mike Nixon added that travel trends, the importance of affordable and reliable air travel, and general discussions about what tourists are looking for to the list of topics covered.

"Canada's tourism sector as a whole accounts for more than 600,000 jobs supporting all Canadian regions and most communities,” said Nixon.

"Approximately two per cent of Canada's GDP is attributed to tourism, and we're talking numbers of about $82 billion,” Nixon said during his closing speech.

"At the same time, global competition for tourism revenues has intensified, prompting us to strive harder to make Canada stand out in that market, and stand out as an attractive travel destination.

"It is important that we as political leaders in support of Canada's tourism sector get together on an annual basis to reflect, review, and exchange ideas in support of Canada's tourism sector.”

Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.'s minister of state for Tourism and Small business, met with key industry representatives last Thursday evening at the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon offices.

"For me to have the opportunity to meet folks who actually hire people or invest money into the community is really important,” Yamamoto said Friday afternoon.

A key theme stemming from the meetings over the two days was that none of the jurisdictions can reach their tourism potential alone, Yamamoto said.

That message was reiterated by the business representatives she met with last Thursday, particularly the partnering opportunities between the Yukon and B.C.

One such partnership in the works is between the Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat and Justin Ferbey from the Carcross-Tagish Management Corp.

Yamamoto said her only regret was that she couldn't take a few extra days to stay a bit longer in the territory.

"People will remember, maybe, where they stayed, what they had for dinner or breakfast, but more importantly they'll remember how people made them feel, and I think our brand in Canada is a safe and welcoming place, but we can always do better, and I think we can learn so much from communities that have gone out of their way to create a special visitor experience,” Yamamoto said.

"The smaller the community, the nicer the people, and I think that's what you have in your favour.”

The ministers also recognized the importance of aboriginal tourism and explored options for sharing information on best practices to further develop this segment.

The ministers will meet again in Prince Edward Island next year.

"It has been a pleasure hosting my tourism colleagues here in Whitehorse (last) week,” said Nixon.