SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A report released by the territorial government Jan. 21 says in order to remain competitive in the tourism industry, considerable investment in parks must be made.

While it doesn't offer a financial plan or solid dates for the proposed improvements, the report, titled Naturally Spectacular - A Northwest Territories Parks Perspective, highlights the need to improve the quality of parks to compete with neighbouring provinces.

Alberta, the source of most visitors and the territory's biggest competition invested $200 million from 2004 to 2009 to improve park infrastructure programs and services.

Between 2004 and 2008, the use of electrical campsites in the North increased to 10,475 from 5,931. The department plans to improve infrastructure in parks by developing new RV sites to meet market demand. This is particular to the North Slave region, the most popular region for camping, with over 14,000 visitors annually from 2004 and 2008.

Doug Doan, assistant deputy minister for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, said he hopes the report brings some attention to the importance of parks in the tourism industry.

"We're low on the list and what we're trying to say is it's part of the tourism industry and it's important."

Julie Warnock, communications co-ordinator for Tourism NWT, said a more detailed plan is needed to outline cost and objectives.

Doan said the 2010-2011 capital budget indicates what the department wants to do with parks over the next 20 years.

The report says the North has a "wealth of opportunities" and the territory must invest to provide better programs, such hiking trails, canoe routes, cultural programming and creating back country camping.

"These improvements and additions will enhance park use, attract more visitors and encourage longer stays," the report said.

The report adds as improvements are made over time there must also be improvements in marketing.