Inuvik (Oct 20/03) - Tourism took a boost in the Delta this summer.

There were 600 more visitors to the region this summer than last, said Judith Venaas, regional tourism officer for GNWT Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

"It was good to see it come up this year," she said.

In 2002 the Western Arctic Regional Visitors Centre recorded 4,916 visitors. This year there were 5,515.

"I'm not sure why the numbers are up. I'm hoping the marketing we're doing is starting to pay off."

Venaas has a $50,000 annual budget to market the Delta through print media, media tours, Yukon partnerships and travel shows.

She said world events like the World Trade Centre disaster and a fluctuating stock market affects tourism dollars. "I think we're seeing a lot more Canadians travelling within their own country and seeing their own country," said Venaas.

Although the numbers are up the Delta needs more attractions, said John Bass, tourism resource person for Arctic Nature Tours.

"It was better than anticipated," said Bass.

"The numbers increased but the product wasn't there to keep people doing more."

Tuktoyaktuk full and half-day tours were the most popular attraction again this year.

"I think that points at a weakness in that there was room to offer more products and trips for people to go on," said Bass.

"I think people are missing out on revenue from this."

Bass said the average tourist stays three days and two nights. And unless there are more things for tourists to do he said the growth may not continue.

Wildlife and river tours are an untapped business opportunity, he said.

"You need to give people the options and commit to working at it."

Venaas is hoping tourist numbers will soar even higher next year for the Dempster Highway's 25th anniversary.

"I'd like to see this town filled to capacity next year.

"I think the numbers will be better next year because there is a lot of excitement over the anniversary of the Dempster," said Bass.

The celebrations will be scattered across the summer both up and down the Dempster.

So far the anniversary committee has a kick off community celebration set at kilometre 0 in Dawson in June, followed by a barbecue at the Arctic Circle June 21.

In August there will be a re-enactment of the ribbon cutting ceremony and a possible concert in Inuvik featuring Northern talent, said Venaas. A 10-minute video called The Dempster Highway Experience is also being updated for marketing purposes and as a souvenir for the silver anniversary.