Yellowknife (Dec 06/04) - Premier Joe Handley insists tourism is an important priority for his government, even though he didn't mention it in his sessional statement last October.

"I've always been a strong supporter of tourism," said Handley, Thursday, while in Calgary. "I don't have it in every sessional statement I make, but it certainly was in my address to the legislative assembly when I was first selected as premier."

Jim Peterson, the outgoing president of the NWT Tourism Association, accused Handley and his government last week of leaving the tourism sector in the back seat while focusing mainly on non-renewable resources like oil, gas and diamonds.

He told a Yellowknife radio station the $1.3 million the association receives for marketing from the territorial government is not enough.

Peterson said the premier's omission in his sessional statement was the deciding factor behind Peterson's resignation.

Handley said while the government may have other more pressing needs for now -- most importantly, obtaining a resource-revenue sharing agreement with Ottawa -- tourism is still a "high priority" and its importance will increase over the long-term.

"Non-renewable resources run out," said Handley.

"Tourism is a renewable industry, and we'll do everything we can to make sure it stays there, and in fact, increases."

As for boosting the tourism association's budget, Handley said it's possible next year, but it will be up to cabinet.

Peterson declined to comment when reached by phone, Friday.

-- with files from Stephan Burnett