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 An iglu is surrounded by the Northern Lights just outside Yellowknife, along Highway 3. While the number of aurora viewers is up in the territories, spending is down. |
The 2003-2004 Aurora Visitors Survey results, recently released by the territorial Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, states 9,900 aurora viewers toured the territories in 2003-2004, compared to 9,000 in the previous season.
The next year could be even better, said Aurora World Corporation spokesman Daryl Dolynny.
"We're moving forward and with the Expo in Japan our numbers should be better next year," he said.
Leisure spending down
Overall leisure spending by tourist travellers is down by nine per cent to $46.3 million in 2003-2004 from $50.8 million in 2002-2003.
Total spending by both business and leisure travellers was also off by about $5 million at only $88 million.
Sarah Trim, a co-ordinator for research and planning with the tourism department, said there are a number of reasons for the decline in spending.
"Such as the forest fires in the south and in the Inuvik region, which resulted in decreased visitation to our campgrounds," she said.
"The impact of the American-Canadian exchange rate was starting be felt last year."
For the 2005-2006 tourist season, Trim's department expects the value of the Canadian dollar will be continue to be a factor.
"There's going be a more significant impact as a result of the exchange," said Trim.
There are some significant events bringing people north, however, which Trim said should help make the tourism year a good one. "We will have some special events, like the First Nations meeting in July, that will bring visitors north," said Trim.
Dolynny said the increased value of the loonie might affect gift spending by aurora viewers, but he said it would not have a significant impact on the number of Japanese travellers coming to Yellowknife.
