WHITEHORSE -- The Yukon Territory welcomed more than 250,000
tourists who spent in excess of $54 million from June through
September of 1999, according to a report by the Yukon Bureau of
Statistics and the Department of Tourism.
According to the agencies, an exit survey of visitors showed
that 232,766 visitors came to the Yukon during those four months,
the region's peak tourist season, a 13% increase compared with the
same period in 1994, the previous year the survey was
conducted.
The largest increase was from overseas visitors, who accounted
for a 36% jump in tourists, compared with 1994.
Forty-eight percent of visitors traveling in the Yukon arrived
by car, bus or van; 23% traveled by motorcoach, and another 20%
traveled by motor home.
The tourists who visited the region spent more than $54 million
at hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions, a 9% increase
compared with 1994, according to the survey.
The region's largest feeder market was the U.S., which accounted
for 74% of all visitors and half of total spending, the survey
showed. U.S. visitors spent an average of three nights in the
region.
Canada accounted for 15% of tourists and 29% of spending, while
overseas visitors accounted for 11% of tourists and 21% of
spending.
According to the survey, 49% of visitors rated their trip to the
Yukon as "better than expected," and 43% rated their visit "as
expected."
In addition, 87% of visitors said they had received value for
their money during their visit to the region.
According to the survey, visiting natural attractions, shopping
and touring historical sites were the top three activities reported
by visitors during their stay.