Great River Journey Whitehorse, Yukon (February 7, 2007) - Today, the partners in Great River Journey Inc. are hosting a Launch reception at the Yukon Transportation Museum to announce a new and important tourism project, introduce their partners, and express their appreciation for the community, industry and government support for the project. Great River Journey is a unique, exclusive, eight-day, wilderness safari down the historic Yukon River in Northern Canada. The journey travels 600 kilometers through the heart of the Yukon wilderness – internationally acclaimed for its outstanding unspoiled wilderness, rich culture, history and warm, friendly people. Great River Journey Inc. is a corporation jointly owned by FNIC Development Corporation (FNIC), a consortium of four Yukon First Nations Development corporations, and Great Northern Journeys Inc, a group of private sector investors. The First Nation owners of FNIC are Ta’an Kwäch'än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Tr’ondëk Hwech’in and Selkirk First Nation. Great River Journey is a new tourism offering which targets the growing number of affluent international travelers who seek unique and authentic experiences that provide them with a true “sense of place”. Great River Journey will provide its clients with the opportunity for a personal journey of discovery of the Yukon, its people, land and culture, history, wildlife and geography. It is unique in North America. Beginning in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital, and traveling downriver to Dawson City, the heart of the historic Klondike gold rush, small groups (maximum 10 people) will travel in a piloted riverboat with an experienced local guide. Overnight accommodation will be in small, private, remotely situated lodge facilities. Each lodge has been designed and themed to harmonize with and accentuate the unique wilderness and historical aspects of the surrounding area. Private “tented” sleeping cabins will provide guests with all the security and comfort of a first class hotel suite with the feeling and appearance of a tented cabin. Fine cuisine featuring local ingredients and traditional foods will be served throughout the journey. Judy Gingell, spokesperson for FNIC, says, “This partnership is a fine example of the progression of the First Nations as key players in the Yukon’s economy. This project represents a shared vision for a world class “geotourism” business which will showcase the natural, historical, and cultural features of the Yukon and its people.” Implementation Costs exceeding $7.5 million have already been spent or are budgeted, in 2007, for development costs, facilities construction, marketing provisioning, staffing, training and familiarization tours. Operations will begin with Patrons tours in 2007 and a full tour program in 2008. George Asquith, Great River Journey President, says: “New businesses, particularly wilderness tourism operations, are tough to finance. Only the shared vision, passion, and commitment of the First Nation and private sector partners supported and encouraged by government have made this possible. The four First Nations, investing together through their development company, FNIC Development Corporation have invested $2 million. The private sector partners, investing together through Great Northern Journeys Inc. have invested $3.4 Million.” The Government of Canada – INAC has provided $1 million to FNIC Development Corporation to assist the First Nations with their investment and a further $750,000 in direct project support to Great River Journey Inc. The Government of Yukon has committed $500,000 in implementation funding. Asquith goes on to say, “While government funding is a cornerstone of the project, it is only part of Great River Journey’s support from government. Asquith concluded with “A really critical success factor for this venture will be continued government, industry and grassroots community support. I sincerely want to thank the many, many people who have worked so hard to bring the project to this point. Please keep it up, please stay with us. We will need you all going forward. Thank you!! ” - 30 - View launch photo gallery. For more information contact:
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PRESS RELEASE