Rankin Inlet (Feb 23/04) - Inventing the best mouse trap in the world won't get you anywhere if people don't know you've done it.

And even if it is the best, you won't be in business long if you're selling the trap for less than it cost you to make it.

As with all goods and services, the key to outfitter success in the Kivalliq region is developing a strong product with profit potential that is properly marketed and promoted.

Nunavut Tourism helps Kivalliq outfitters promote their operations across Canada, the U.S.A. and overseas.

The Government of Nunavut department held a Kivalliq Product Development Workshop in Rankin Inlet earlier this month, which attracted 11 outfitters from across the region.

The workshop was facilitated by Paul Landry, a former director of programs at the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School in Toronto, Ont., who currently helps operate the polar expedition company Northwinds with Matty McNair.

Landry was helped out by Nunavut Tourism's Greg Logan, Sekayi Pswarayi, Jaida Ohokannoak and Kelly Lewis, an accommodations and corporate travel sector specialist based in Rankin Inlet.

Kelly said course participants are now able to develop their own packaged product with a pricing structure for the retail and wholesale markets, as well as design a brochure to market the product if they so choose.

He said the workshop also gave the outfitters a better understanding of sales and marketing, and the templates provided will enable them to design packages of their own in the future.

"A lot of Kivalliq outfitters deal with southern booking agents and just throw a number at them," said Lewis.

"We showed the participants what the costs are in doing business and helped them come up with a price that reflects that and enables them to make a profit.

"Kivalliq outfitters have a wide range of products and services to offer tourists, but they have to be properly packaged and promoted to be successful."