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KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - A Cape Dorset company has been tapped for Nunavut Tourism's annual Hans Aronsen Bursary of Excellence in Entrepreneurship.

Kristiina and Timmun Alariaq, owners of Huit Huit Tours and Cape Dorset Suites, were unable to collect the award in person last week, but said they are "honoured" by the accolades.

Timmun Alariaq helms the boat while wife Kristiina, second from right, helps lead a tour for a women's group visiting Cape Dorset. The couple were recently honoured by Nunavut Tourism for their business, Huit Huit Tours and Cape Dorset Suites. - photo courtesy of Lee Narraway

"It's really encouraging for us. Not just a nice plaque to hang on the wall but something we appreciate after all the work we've done," Kristiina said.

The couple started in the tourism business two decades ago in 1988. Since then, what began as a few outfitting trips has snowballed into the construction of upscale accommodations, catering and conference services.

"Word is getting around that it's another place to have meetings and workshops," Kristiina said.

The majority of their clients are business travellers, although they also see about 50 tourists a year as well as cruise ships.

She and Timmun now employ two local people full-time, as well as casual guides when they are needed.

As they organize a number of cultural events for their visitors, the Alariaqs also hire other local resources like elders and youth.

"We love the land, and it's a way of connecting people with the land," Kristiina said. "We know this area very well and we know how to plan trips around what nature gives us."

About two years ago, the couple made a huge investment in their business by building Cape Dorset Suites.

"We want to promote more visitors, more businesses to come here, instead of just Iqaluit," Kristiina said.

This is a good example of what Nunavut Tourism would like there to be more of, according to Olivia Brown.

"We're really pleased that they increased the number of accommodations in Cape Dorset and the conference facility to attract more tourism and make more jobs," she said.

Coincidently, some of the Alariaqs' first business came through Adventure Canada, which won this year's Nunavut Tourism Award of Excellence.

"We actually started with Adventure Canada, working with some of their small groups," Kristiina said.

The Ontario-based company provides small vessel cruises around Nunavut, as well as land activities. It also employs cultural interpreters, like Iqaluit resident Aaju Peter, to help promote local culture and heritage.