16 September 2023

Canada’s Northwest Territories Welcome Visitors After Fires; Hawai’i Forms Maui Tourism Recovery Group

The Northwest Territories says it’s welcoming visitors to come and support local businesses as the region recovers from unprecedented fires.

“The Northwest Territories along with many parts of the country had an unprecedented summer,” government officials said in a statement. “As many northerners evacuated their homes, we saw an outpouring of support for residents. From caring for each other, to the kindness shown by our provincial and territorial neighbours, as well as the love of friends and family from around the world, thank you.

“We’re grateful for all of the emergency personnel and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect and support our communities. This was a summer that highlighted the strength and spirit of the NWT. As we welcome the fall Aurora into the night skies, now is the time to support businesses in the NWT and to thank everyone who kept the NWT Spectacular! We welcome you to the Spectacular Northwest Territories.”

The northern lights in the Northwest Territories of Canada. NWT Tourism Photo

I’ve never been, but my wife was in Yellowknife, NWT a few years ago and said it’s a beautiful part of Canada.

Since time immemorial, stories on the origin and significance of the Aurora have been passed on from generation to generation. Dene legends place the origin of the Northern Lights in a fire built by the world’s creator. Cree legends believe the Lights are deceased loved ones communicating to those still on Earth, while Inuvialuit legends say the Lights are spirits of the dead playing soccer with a walrus skull – or a human head. Here are more legends of the Aurora.”

The Northwest Territories is home to notable landmarks, pristine national parks, vibrant cultures, and welcoming communities. Adventures in the territory are as vast as the landscapes so travellers are sure to have many questions when planning their trip.

“If you’ve ever wondered what makes each region in the NWT different or when is the best time to see the Northern Lights, here’s your pocket guide to the Northwest Territories.”

HAWAI’I FORMS MAUI TOURISM RECOVERY GROUP

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors has established a Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group to support HTA’s Maui recovery efforts. HTA has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB 24-05) to procure planning services for a Tourism Recovery Plan, as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to support Hawai‘i’s communities and economic recovery.

“As we continue to assess the needs of Maui’s people and how they envision rebuilding for the future, a Tourism Recovery Plan is critical to supporting Maui’s revival and the state’s immediate, mid-term, and long-term recovery efforts,” said Mahina Paishon-Duarte, Chair of the Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group and HTA Board Vice Chair. “HTA is working on tourism-related business data with the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s Research and Analysis Division, which will also guide our efforts.”

The Sandbar lobby bar at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Photo Courtesy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Qualified applicants will have proven experience in strategic planning and economic development, particularly in tourism and facilitation. The selected contractor will provide services to support the HTA Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group and HTA staff in the development of a messaging strategy, a Tourism Recovery Plan, and key learnings and recommendations for future planning.

In the wake of the Lahaina and Kula wildfires, an emergency HTA board meeting was held on August 15, 2023, pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS) §92-8(a). During this meeting, the board of directors approved to request a Tourism Emergency Declaration from Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green, M.D., pursuant to HRS §201B-9.

In addition, the board also formed among its members a Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group to address Maui’s communities and visitor industry impacts. Specifically:

To assess and understand the current situation and needs of residents, community, employees, visitors, businesses, and the industry;

To allocate resources to respond to the tourism emergency that is in effect due to the Maui brushfires experienced in West Maui and Kula;

To develop short and long-term plans to determine optimal and effective use of HTAʻs available resources;

To record and document emergency response and recovery activities that may be replicable for future disaster and crisis events related to the West Maui fires and broader crises; and

To develop a strong messaging strategy that will be creative, consistent, shared, and coordinated with key stakeholders.

I recently posted two Maui tourism stories; one focused on things to do in areas of Maui that remained open in the days after the tragic Lahaina fires of September 8, and the other on places to visit in areas of West Maui (Ka’anapali, Hononokowai, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua) that will re-open to visitors and residents alike on October 8.

Tagged as: fires, Hawaii Tourism, is it okay to visit the Northwest Territories, is it safe to visit Maui, is it safe to visit the Northwest Territories, Lahaina fires, Maui fires, Northwest Territories, where to go in Hawaii, where to go in Maui, wildfires, Yellowknife

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