Yukon's tourist industry had its second most productive season on record in 1969.
The Territory's Department of Travel and Information reports 114,227 visitors for the five month period May to September inclusive. This was 3,915 less than the record of 118,142 set last year. Figures for the same period in 1967 were 97,200 and there were 108,400 counted in 1966.
Estimated dollar value is also the second highest on record at $7,426,655. This compares with $7,681,120 last year, $7,043,734 in 1967 and $7,047,734 in 1966.
Several factors contributed to the decline. Among them were road and weather conditions, the forest fire hazard and a change in cruise ship schedules which
affected the Skagway-Carcross run by White Pass & Route.
Internationally, the favourable effects on both Hawaii and Alaska, and, indirectly, the Yukon Territory, of former U.S. President Johnson's efforts to keep Americans at home, have worn off. Increased attention by the Tourist Industry in Mexico
to improving facilities and services, particularly in their Western regions, has added to the competition in luring visitors from the U.S. West Coast States, which provide the largest number of Yukon visitors.
Many of the emerging countries, along with some not previously involved to any extent in tourism, have joined in the competition for the tourist dollar. Formerly rigid border crossing regulations in some countries have been relaxed, making it easier for visitors to enter.
PLENTY OF PUBLICITY
On the positive side, there are factors which have had some beneficial effects this year, and are expected to be much more important in 1970. These include the now world-famous Alaska Land Sale, the voyage of the SS Manhattan, the Mid-Canada Corridor Conference and the Northern Resources Conference, all of which have produced a great deal of favourable publicity.
Yukon's total count of visitors for the past fiscal year, April 1968 to March this year was 140,452. October counts are now in and the seven-month shows a difference of only 1,957 between this year and last. The 1968 figure is 125,712 compared to 125,755 this year, for April to October inclusive. In 1967 the figure was 104,249
while in 1966 it was 116,345.
CANADIANS NOT COUNTED.
Totals are based on information supplied by Canada Customs, Wien Consolidated Airlines and White Pass and Yukon Route. Counts do pot include Canadians, regardless of their means of transportation, unless they are entering Yukon from Alaska.
Dollar figures are based on a 1966 survey, which showed an average party of 3.1 persons staying 7.2 days and spending $28.00 per day. The survey covered visitors coming in their own vehicles and consequently did not include persons travelling by commercial carrier, who rely entirely on local services for food, accommodation and transportation.
