Ecotourism: Less talk, more action, dignitary says. (Northern Tourism).

Northerners have talked enough about ecotourism, now is the time to forge ahead and turn the talk into action. This was the clear message delivered by officials and dignitaries during opening remarks at the Eco-North 2002 Eco-Nord conference in Sudbury.

"Ecotourism is very much like sex," said Sudbury MPP Ray Bonin during opening ceremonies. "Some people talk about it, other people are doing it. We've talked about it enough."

While there are few statistics available from which one can determine the degree to which Northern Ontario is involved in ecotourism, or how ecotourism stimulates the economy of the North, nationally, outdoor tourism and ecotourism adventure has witnessed "significant growth," says Jim Watson, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Tourism Commission, a federal Crown corporation. In Canada, ecotourism has shown positive growth at a rate of about 15 per cent annually over the past five years, said Watson.

In 2000, the tourism industry contributed $54 billion to the Canadian economy. International visitors to Canada peaked at 20 million in 2000, and the trend indicates this figure will continue to increase, Watson said. Of the 20 million visitors, 15 million were from the United States.

Cognizant of the need to remain competitive in the tourism industry, the Government of Canada has invested $15 million, along with $5 million from Canadian Tourism Commission funds, towards a marketing campaign that concentrates on the domestic market and cross-border cities, Watson noted. This investment follows on the heels of other decisions made by other countries such as Australia and the United States that invested $10 million to market their tourism industry in 2001.

Northern Ontario has a competitive advantage - the topography, landscape and tranquility - that tourists from abroad and from larger cities across the country are looking for, Watson said.

The statistics show that today's tourist is looking for an escape from the congestion and pollution of larger centres, off-season travel opportunities and outdoor, experiential escapes, he added.

"In an area like Northern Ontario, (visitors) quickly realize what we have to offer," Watson said. "And we have to promote and paint that picture of an authentic vacation experience in the North. That is where the Canadian Tourism Commission can work with Northern Ontario" to promote the region as a four-season vacation destination.

Community development corporations across the North have over $40 million in loan portfolios to ensure there is an environment that fosters growth in the tourism industry, said Secretary of State for Rural Development, Andy Mitchell.

"Tourism is indeed one of the fastest growing industries in the North, and for some communities it is a key to their economic success," Mitchell said. "The reality is that Northern Ontario does in fact have the assets to grow that industry and ecotourism is going to be an important part of that growth."

Over 350 delegates attended the conference which took place Feb. 6 to 10 in the City of Greater Sudbury.