Fort Simpson (Oct 22/04) - Forest fires in the Yukon and B.C., high gasoline prices and highway work in northern B.C. may have limited growth in the number of Deh Cho campers this past summer, according to Gerd Fricke, the Deh Cho's manager of tourism and parks.

The number of campers was up 0.5 per cent over last year at Sambaa Deh, Blackstone and Fort Simpson parks, Fricke said. He added that he was somewhat surprised there wasn't a drop in tourism due to the aforementioned factors.

A total of 1,257 sites were occupied at the campgrounds over the summer, representing an estimated 3,000 visitors. The number of American and German tourists rose while those from Switzerland dropped marginally, Fricke noted. However, the number of Canadians who passed through the Deh Cho fell significantly, he added.

"I'm not quite sure how to interpret that," he said. In 2003, the number of campers climbed by 10 per cent over 2002.

Parks Canada reported 889 visitors to Nahanni National Park Reserve, down from 1,018 in 2003.

Among the current initiatives to improve tourists' experiences in the Deh Cho is having electricity installed at 21 of 32 sites at Fort Simpson campgrounds. Previously, the only three powered sites accounted for nearly 40 per cent of demand, Fricke noted. Also, a kitchen shelter is being proposed for Sambaa Deh park. As well, new highway and campground signs have been posted and work continues to push for the Mackenzie River as a Canadian heritage river.

Duncan Canvin, a Fort Simpson business owner and former Chamber of Commerce president, said the GNWT has failed to establish a tourist kiosk at the junction of the Liard Trail and the Alaska Highway, which was pitched by former MLA Jim Antoine. Otherwise, the government and private sector do a good job of promoting the Deh Cho, according to Canvin.

"It's just frustrating, I know, likely for (Fricke) and others, as to why people just don't beat a steady path to the door," he said, adding the Chamber's booth at trade shows is always popular.

Kevin Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh, said he is advocating a more prominent role for tourism when the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is split -- a move still being studied.