Yellowknife (Sep 20/04) - The vice-president of Northwest Territories Arctic Tourism says the territory is the best kept secret in Canada.

And he's not entirely happy about that fact.

Martin Miller says he needs more money to increase the NWT's tourism profile.

There were 59,000 visitors to the territories in 2003, spending close to $93 million, he said.

That's up by $18 million from 2002.

But Miller believes the NWT can do better.

"Tourism has more than simple value, it has cultural value," said Miller during the Prospects North Conference in Yellowknife last week.

He said aboriginal people can use their traditional skills in the tourism trade.

Miller added the territories needs more market-ready product offerings.

More training is required in the hospitality industry and the diamond industry could have a role to play in promoting greater tourism to the territories, he said.

"I'd like to see more corporate help to develop tourist attractions. Their participation would create a positive image of giving back to the community," he said.