Benefits

The Great River Journey project holds the potential for a broad range of positive impacts and is complimentary to many other initiatives.

• Yukon Tourism and the Canadian Tourism Commission have identified the development of new tourism product directed at high yield niche markets as among their key strategies for tourism product development for both Yukon and Canada.
• Yukon Tourism, the Canadian Tourism Commission and First Nations have identified the encouragement of First Nations tourism as key strategies for tourism product development in both Yukon and Canada.
• Yukon Government, Canada and First Nations have identified the encouragement of First Nations tourism as important areas for First Nation economic development.
  

Tourism Growth

The Great River Journey is a very unique high-end product that does not compete with established Yukon tourism businesses. There is nothing like it in the Yukon or North America. It is a new product which opens the way into target markets and sales channels that are not currently serviced by local operators. The success of the Great River Journey will develop travel industry awareness and sales channels that can benefit other Yukon tourism operators.

Benefits to Yukon Communities

The Great River Journey is a small business and the number of direct jobs, in each community, will be limited but these are good jobs. Once the Great River Journey is fully operational, it creates a variety of quality, permanent full-time and regular seasonal positions. In addition to positions for guides, cooks, lodge staff, boat pilots and other skilled workers, there are opportunities in management.

The types of jobs created appeal to the interests and core competencies of Yukoners. These jobs will be of particular interest to aboriginal people, be located within their traditional lands, and provide advancement opportunities though training and certification. The development and transferability of skills can bring substantial community benefits.

Yukon First Nation ownership in this enterprise provides First Nations and their citizens with the opportunity to be hosts within their traditional territories. In sharing their histories and cultures, on their own terms and in their own way, they will discover a powerful means to affirm their ancient traditions and values. This success can provide both an example and practical experience for First Nations communities to draw upon as they explore involvement in other business ventures, big or small.

Spin-off Businesses

The Great River Journey creates opportunities for First Nations and other Yukoners to develop new spin-off tourism businesses. Some of these will service guests of Great River Journey directly. For example, the Great River Journey will rely on hiking, fishing, boat tours and a variety of specialty tours to provide guests with active, true northern experiences. Initially, these may need to be developed and operated “in house,” but independent local owners/operators would be better positioned to offer these products over the long run. The lodge facilities are prime venues for the sale of arts and crafts.

Best Practices

The Great River Journey is developing and follows best practices for the protection of the environment and special places within traditional lands. From its commitment to small group sizes, to the use of cutting-edge technologies to generate power and handle waste, the Great River Journey can become another excellent model for sustainable economic development in tourism as well as other industries.

Direct Spending

The Great River Journey intends to utilize local knowledge, services and suppliers to the greatest extent possible during the design and construction phases of the project. The same principle applies once the business is fully operational and facilities require ongoing maintenance. For example, local businesses and craftspeople will ideally supply furniture, artwork and other functional necessities, such as pottery, for overnight facilities. For years to come, the Great River Journey will also generate regular spending, including in some First Nations communities, on consumable goods ranging from food to gasoline.