Iqaluit (Feb 02/04) - Representatives in Panniqtuuq and Kimmirut are split over the worthiness of Nunavut's fledgling cruise ship industry.

Cruise ship tourism is not the foundation through which an economic base could be formed in Kimmirut, said Kyra Fisher, community economic development officer with the hamlet.

But Peter Wilson, general manager of the Uqqurmiut Arts and Crafts Centre in Panniqtuuq, says the cruise ship industry plays a crucial role in the economic development of his hamlet.

Fisher admits when the cruise ships come, the artisans in the Kimmirut area do very well. In fact, one cruise ship visiting Kimmirut last year racked up $13,000 in carving and art purchases over one afternoon.

The problem, says Fisher, is that there just aren't enough cruise ships coming. When they do come, they're not always so wildly successful.

While some cruise ships bring a bevy of big spenders, sales have been disappointing.

The cruise ships come into the region in July and August.

"We had four visits last year. One had 100 people, the other had 30 and we basically charged them a shore fee."

"That covers our expenses to hire people to put on a program and there's cultural activities like throat singers and bannock making," she said.

"This year, Nunavut Tourism is pressing the Northwest Passage but that's up in Gjoa Haven. It doesn't affect us," she said.

"Nunavut Tourism gets a lot of money and

frankly, I don't think they're doing as much as they could do. They don't really connect with the communities. They do their own thing," she said.

Back in Panniqtuuq, Wilson stresses the importance of the industry.

Last year, one ship brought $40,000 in sales at the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre and the other two brought in $20,000 and $25,000 in sales respectively, said Wilson.

"We need to get more of them in and get them to stay longer. Four hours is crazy to try to service these people. It's confusing and chaotic. If they were in over a 24-hour period it would be more pleasant and (we would) do more sales," said Wilson.

Wilson calls the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre unique.

"There's a print shop, a tapestry studio, a craft gallery and we also have a sign-making shop," he said. "It's the primary vehicle through which the artisans of Pangnirtung carry out their activities," he said.