Inuvik (June 16/03) - While locals prefer warmer climates, tour operators say winter could be the next big attraction for tourists in the Mackenzie Delta.

Right now, June to September is the peak tourist season, said regional tourism officer Judith Venaas.

"Winter is definitely something we are going to start marketing."

Although Tuktoyaktuk is the most popular summer destination, in winter it is not, said Maureen Pokiak, co-owner of Ookpik Tours and Adventures.

Her operation is open all year and offers dog sledding during the winter.

"We find a lot of people go for dog team rides in Inuvik so it's not a big thing here," she said.

John Bass, tourism resource person for Arctic Nature Tours, said the secret to a successful winter season is offering something out of the ordinary.

"It's probably the big ticket we need to tap into but we need to differentiate ourselves from Yellowknife to access that."

He said tourists need a reason to travel the extra distance. They can cross country ski, see the Northern lights and dog sled in more Southern communities.

"I think there are business opportunities that can be released if people recognized it as the opportunity it is," he said, adding tourism needs to be recognized as a viable alternative to other industries like diamonds and oil.

But before the dream can come true, Venaas said, more services need to be developed and the needs of international markets addressed.

Unlike Yellowknife, the Delta does not attract many Asian tourists. Asian tourists are big money for winter tourism in the capital.

She said Asians tend to travel in large groups and want the comfort they would get in the larger centres.

Inuvik doesn't have the buses or hotels suitable for them.

"In the future we will work on increasing some products in the region, provide tourists with more things to do to keep them here that much longer and we want to increase winter tourism."