Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 23/98) - With the creation of Nunavut, Eastern Arctic tourism revenue could jump to as much as $50 million next year, up dramatically from about $30 million five years ago.

"It's history in the making," said Madeleine Redfern, Nunavut Tourism's executive director.

"We're getting many calls from people wanting to know about the celebrations and many are calling for information on the new territory," she said.

"People want to understand Nunavut and participate."

Nunavut Tourism continues to use the creation of a new territory as a spring board to marketing its tourism product. The organization has about 105 members and a budget of $1.2 million.

In Iqaluit, fireworks are planned for midnight, March 31, with official ceremonies at the capital's new legislative assembly building.

This will be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the Eastern Arctic.

Among the tourism products Nunavut has to offer are spectacular outdoor adventure tours. Visitors come to Nunavut to see pristine environment and the wildlife, Redfern said. Other activities include sportfishing and hunting, dogsledding, snowmobiling and cross- country skiing adventures. Travellers to Nunavut can see muskoxen in the Kitikmeot or whales and seals in the Baffin or fish in the Keewatin.

Redfern also said Nunavut provides a unique historical tourism opportunity. "People want to experience the arts and crafts and are fascinated with the Inuit people."

Canadian Tourism Commission has identified learning tourism, where visitors gain information on a unique culture or natural environment, as one of fastest growth areas among baby boomers. The commission also notes more and more U.S. travellers are interested in winter vacations.

Nationally, Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade identified support for eco-tourism development as a main component for a new Northern foreign policy.

Another type of adventure for those who love the outdoors and can afford it, trekking to the North Pole. Or, maybe a trip the magnetic North Pole near Baker Lake in the Keewatin.

According to a focus group survey done by Nunavut Tourism -- to be presented at the organization's fourth annual general meeting later this week in Iqaluit -- most tourists who visit Nunavut are Canadian. The most recent figures show 72 per cent of visitors to Nunavut are Canadian (16 per cent U.S., 12 per cent other).

Most Nunavut visitors are baby boomers with middle to high incomes who want to see a pristine, untouched environment. And they prefer to tour in a small group.

Redfern said Nunavut tourists fit the same profile as individuals who would travel to India for adventure or see the scenery and wildlife of Africa.