This news release has been archived. View current Government of Yukon news.

# COVID-19 relief and recovery plan for Yukon tourism sector released

Primary image

Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie McLean has released the Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan, the Yukon government’s strategic guide to stabilizing and rebuilding the territory’s tourism sector in the wake of the drastic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on extensive research, industry feedback and guided by the values and pillars of the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, the Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan provides targeted investments that prioritize safety and economic viability, with a focus on building sector resiliency for the future.

With investments of up to $15 million over three years, the plan is built around four key themes:

1. Providing tourism sector leadership;
2. Rebuilding confidence and capabilities for tourism;
3. Supporting the recovery of tourism industry operators, and
4. Refining Yukon’s tourism brand and inspiring travellers to visit the Yukon.

Highlights of the plan include:

- Funding for the implementation of a Resident and Community Support for Tourism strategy;
- Support for industry adoption of standardized safe travel protocols for the protection of visitors and residents;
- Creation of a one-window “concierge” service to assist tourism businesses in navigating and maximizing the Yukon government’s COVID-19 business supports; and
- Support for the development and implementation of a place brand for the whole of Yukon.

The plan also includes previously announced initiatives such as tourism-specific supplements to the Yukon Business Relief Program and enhancements to the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund, as well as additional recovery supports for businesses, research and marketing initiatives, and the expansion and enhancement of existing government resources.

Visit Yukon.ca/TRRP to learn more.

> Combined with the Yukon government's other business relief efforts, the Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan will ensure the survival and recovery of Yukon’s tourism sector and equip the industry to return to full capacity and growth sooner and more resilient than ever. I want to thank all of our tourism partners across the territory for showing leadership throughout the pandemic. We will continue to work in partnership to rebuild Yukon’s vibrant tourism sector.

> The Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan is the strong and sustainable plan Yukon’s tourism industry has been looking for. The plan represents a firm commitment by the government to stabilize and support the territory’s critical tourism sector, and the tourism industry looks forward to working in partnership with the Yukon government on its implementation.

Quick facts

- Prior to the pandemic, tourism generated $367.8 million in revenue to Yukon businesses and, accounted for 5.0 per cent of our GDP (2018 data).

- COVID-19 travel restrictions have triggered an unprecedented crisis in the global tourism industry. In Yukon, recently available statistics show that:

  - Air arrivals at YXY: down 96 per cent in second quarter of 2020, from April to June, compared to 2019.
  - International Border crossings: down 92 per cent in first half 2020, from January to June, compared to 2019.
  - Destination Canada scenarios indicate that the potential impact could range between a 43 and 61 per cent decline in the Canadian tourism economy in 2020.

- Despite the pandemic, Yukon’s tourism industry remains committed to a 10-year vision for tourism to be a vibrant, sustainable component of Yukon’s economy as set out in the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy: Sustainable Tourism. Our Path. Our Future. https://yukon.ca/en/yukon-tourism-development-strategy

Media contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca

Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-379
Related information:
Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan
Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan: December 2020
Support for tourism organizations
Yukon Tourism Development Strategy: Sustainable Tourism. Our Path. Our Future.