Inuvik (Sep 27/04) - The great Northern adventure was a bit less appealing to tourists this season, according to the Beaufort-Delta's regional tourism officer.

"We were hoping for a lot more people but the forest fires in Alaska and the Yukon deterred many visitors," Judith Venaas said.

Smokey skies proved too much of a risk for the unfamiliar visitor, she noted, especially those wanting to drive the famous Dempster Highway.

But while the forest fires put a damper on the number of visitors to the Beaufort Delta region, Venaas said those who made the journey were glad they did.

"The ones that did come had a great time," she said.

With a Beaufort Delta visitor centre in both Dawson City and Inuvik, Venaas said marketing the Dempster as a 'must-see' tourist destination is a priority.

"But it is a challenge in the winter because of its unpredictability," she said, noting the hazards of winter driving in the extreme North and potential road closures due to storm activity. "People will fly in because of the road ice," she said.

Inuvik is also a challenge to market as a four-season destination, she said.

"It's a challenge in the Western Arctic because of the lack of product," she said, adding the involvement of private enterprise helps make the tourist season successful.

While this season's total tourist numbers are not yet finalized, Venaas said, on average, the Delta sees five or six thousand tourists every year, many of whom are repeat visitors.

"We're happy with that but there's room for improvement," she said.

"Then there are those who want to see the wilderness," Venaas continued.

"They want to experience the midnight sun and see the wildlife. They are not really sure what to expect but when they arrive they are pleased and they find the people so friendly here, they enjoy it."

Marketing Northern tourism has to be a joint venture among different regions, however, she said.

One initiative, through the North Peace Economic Development Commission in Fort St. John, B.C., will see northern tourism operators from the NWT, the Yukon, Alaska, B.C. and Alberta gather in Dawson Creek, B.C. from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 for the Northern Tourism Expo, themed Tourism without Borders, according to April Moi, executive director of the Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Tourism Association.

"We hope this is the first of many," Moi said of the gathering, which will be held in conjunction with the Alaska Highway International Forum.

Moi said it is essential for operators to be aware of what is available for tourists in adjacent regions so they can offer their guests the full experience of all an area has to offer.

While statistics may show a decline in the number of tourists overall, one Inuvik tourism business -- Arctic Chalet - has not seen any drop in numbers.

Corporate travellers

"It was about as good as it could get," Judy Falsnes said of the number of visitors to her resort motel facility. Falsnes' business includes nature and dog kennel tours and winter dog sledding.

"We also have a lot of corporate travellers visiting."

Taig Connell, president of the Teetlit Gwich'in tourism society in Fort McPherson, said the weather was actually great for tourists and it was ironic that the number of visitors to the hamlet was down.

"This was a big year with the Dempster celebration and while there were a lot of people for our community celebration, it wasn't what we anticipated," Connell said, blaming smoke from nearby forest fires and poor road conditions for the decreased number of visitors.