Yellowknife (Sep 15/06) - A new tourism bill, expected to become law when the legislative assembly re-convenes in October, will streamline the licensing process for operators, said territorial industry minister Brendan Bell.

"It will create a more user friendly system," he said.

The proposed Tourism Act will regulate the $100 million-a-year industry. Under current laws, established in 1983, licenses are required for hotels, bed and breakfasts and tour operations.

The new bill would replace several licenses with a single permit, Bell said.

The cost of the new license has not been determined, but Bell described the changes as "cost neutral" and said they were "not a revenue grab". Under the old scheme, operating a tourist establishment cost $150 while resident outfitter paid $75.

The new legislation also allows communities to protect areas that are environmentally and culturally sensitive, Bell said.

"We're not going to dictate this but are asking communities interested (in establishing areas such as these) to come to us."

Fines for violating the act will increase from $2000 for a first offense to $10,000, bringing the NWT in line with other jurisdictions.

What will remain the same, however, is the program that reimburses visitors who believe they didn't get their money's worth.

"We want to make sure that operators are operating in good faith," said Bell. "You can imagine if somebody comes here and has a bad experience, (it) reflects poorly on the industry."