The Yukon government unveiled its “Great Yukon Summer” tourism initiative Thursday, hoping to give the territorial tourism industry a boost.

Tourism and Culture Minister Ranj Pillai made the announcement in front of a gaggle of industry representatives and media at the Tourism Information Centre in downtown Whitehorse.

The program is geared toward encouraging Yukoners to traipse around the territory during this second summer of COVID, hopefully to tick some of those bucket items on their lists off.

The heart of the program is a 25 per cent discount for purchasing packages worth a minimum of $250 from tourism operators in the Yukon.

It’s up to the industry and individual operators to design the packages, then market them.

Travellers pay the full cost up front, and will then have to apply to the government for the 25-per-cent rebate, Pillai said.

That’s to minimize the paperwork for operators, Pillai added.

“I’m really excited about this program,” he told the audience. “The Yukon is known as one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the world.

“The Great Yukon Summer Campaign will encourage Yukoners to explore the territory while supporting our extensive network of internationally recognized tourism operators.

“I encourage Yukoners to explore their own stunning backyard, while continuing to follow the Safe 6 plus 1.”

Some marketing initiatives and support will accompany the program.

Pillai said the packages could involve anything from an overnight stay bundled with a dinner and activity to more elaborate trips.

“With new incentives for Yukoners to explore the world-class opportunities in their own backyard, 2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer,” a news release stated.

“The Great Yukon Summer campaign encourages Yukoners to travel in Yukon, to revisit or discover for the first time the world-class cultural and outdoor experiences available here and to enjoy the amazing festivals and events throughout the territory.

“Residents travelling within Yukon will help generate much-needed revenue for Yukon businesses in the travel, entertainment and hospitality industries, which have been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19,” the release said.

“A total of $500,000 in new funding is now available for festivals, events and other summer activities across the territory to entertain Yukoners.”

The funding will be distributed through two channels.

Up to $250,000 will be offered to the organizers of events already receiving funding, either through the Arts Fund or the Arts Operating Fund, to help amplify and expand the reach of these events.

A minimum of $250,000 will be available through the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition funding program.

Applications for public events planned in the Yukon between June 21 and Sept. 30 are now being accepted.

Awards of up to $15,000 are available for non-profit societies, industry and community associations, First Nations and municipal governments, Yukon businesses and collectives, with 80 per cent of eligible costs covered.

Any events already planned that did not receive funding from the Department of Tourism and Culture can apply for the funding if they meet eligibility criteria.

The program will begin June 4 and end Sept. 30.

Air travel associated with territorial travel is also eligible for consideration under the program.

“Eligible packages, as well as flights and air travel within the territory, will be available at https://www.travelyukon.com/greatyukonsummer starting on June 4,” the release said.

Yukoners must pay the full package price up front, but can submit a simple application with receipts and a declaration of proof of residency for a rebate after their trip occurs.

Rebate applications must be submitted by Oct. 31.

All Yukon tourism businesses and operators who provide a package for the Great Yukon Summer Yukoner Travel Rebate program are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to go toward paying for advertising materials from a Yukon marketing professional or publication to promote their package.

Neil Hartling, of the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) of Yukon, said he is very pleased with the program.

“I think it’s a great thing for Yukoners and it’s a great thing for the tourism industry,” he said.

“Over my 30 years living here, I’ve so often heard people say, ‘I’m going to do that some day,’ and many of them just never do.

“Here’s their chance, and they even get a bit of a boost with the discount. So I think it’s great.

“With a price point of $250, it should cover just about anything,” Hartling added.

“If you stay in a hotel and buy a meal and maybe go to an event, that’s typically more than $250. In the south, you can pay $160 for a game of golf. I know a lot of time was spent on picking that number, and it was one of the lower options on the table.”