Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY)

2001-2002

Developed a two-day seminar and materials outlining the basics of starting a wilderness tourism business in the Yukon.
Presented the Wilderness Tourism Basics Seminar in Dawson City in September and in Whitehorse in November.
Offered the following seminars with funding from Project Yukon:
Wilderness Tourism Business Basics
Risk Management and Emergency Response Planning
Introduction to GPS
Bear Safety and Awareness
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
Outdoor Dutch Oven Cooking
Initiated a bigger and better cooperative marketing program, including overhauling the Yukon Wild website and implementing a comprehensive print ad campaign. Yukon Wild participants received maximum benefit.
Rebuilt the WTAY members' website that provides Association information, an industry newsletter, member contacts, and links to members' websites.
Lobbied Transport Canada to revise the Marine Liability Act (MLA) so that it will not negatively impact wilderness tourism operators.
Set up the MLA Defence Trust to raise funds for future lobbying efforts related to the MLA.
Sent a representative to MLA consultation meetings in Vancouver in June.
Distributed the Product Club image bank CD of professional Yukon wilderness tourism images to all WTAY members.
Managed a research project that identified wilderness tourism Industry assets in Yukon Plateau North, Central and Klondike eco-regions for YTG Business, Tourism and Culture department use.
Partnered with the Yukon Outfitters Association in researching a group liability insurance plan.
Partnered with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in launching their new publication Yukon Wild Natural Regions of the Yukon.
Represented members' interests to governments regarding land-use issues such as the Yukon Protected Areas Strategy, forestry and oil and gas development issues, and park management plans.
Developed a code of conduct for wilderness tourism operators and presented it to the membership for ratification.
Reached an agreement with Yukon Business, Tourism, and Culture to manage and implement the 2002-03 Yukon Wilderness Tourism Marketing Program.