The federal and territorial governments are teaming up to inject $3.6 million into Yukon tourism marketing over the next two years.

MP Ryan Leef and Tourism and Culture Minister Mike Nixon made the announcement this morning at the territorial visitor information centre.

“Our government is proud to make strategic investments in Yukon that will enhance tourism potential throughout the territory and increase economic opportunities for Yukoners and their families,” Leef said.

The money will go toward television commercials in Canada and other domestic promotional efforts, with a smaller percentage likely slated for international marketing.

The cash will come in four $900,000 payments — two from the territory and two from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) — over two years.

It builds on the $5.8 million already set aside in the budget for tourism marketing.

“This is the single largest investment in tourism marketing in the Yukon government’s history,” Nixon said.

“Yukon entrepreneurs have developed and enhanced a wide variety of tourism experiences, such as Yukon’s incredible mining history, outdoor adventures and authentic cultural experiences.”

Neil Hartling, chair of the Yukon’s Tourism Industry Association, noted the government’s tourism marketing committee will be in charge of coming up with a “strategic direction” for the money, broadly aimed at attracting more Canadians North of 60.

“It will also benefit some of our other markets, but chiefly the domestic market because it’s showing great promise,” he said.

“It will include TV, and we’re just thrilled that we can get our voice out there a little bit louder with greater market penetration.”

Hartling added that he’s looking for a “greater return on investment,” with dividends paying off in the form of more local jobs and a sustained cash influx for the territory through the winter months, mitigating the boom-and-bust cycles of the Yukon’s past.

The tourism industry now contributes about $250 million to private sector revenues each year.

Roughly four per cent —  $114 million — of the Yukon’s GDP was attributable to tourism in 2012, a larger proportion than in any other province or territory.

The territory has seen a steady growth in the number of visitors — about three per cent per year — since 2004, according to the Tourism department.

The bulk of the increase came via visitors from around Canada.