FOR RELEASE     #05-063
March 15, 2005

WHITEHORSE - The Carcross/Tagish First Nation, White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and the Yukon government are co-hosting the Destination Carcross Summit 2 on March 16, 2005.

The all-day conference brings together stakeholders for presentations and discussions about the future of Carcross as a tourism destination.

"We're excited about the potential for economic development in Carcross," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "The summit is an opportunity for everyone interested in tourism in the Carcross area to share information, build partnerships and work towards a sustainable tourism industry."

"Carcross/Tagish First Nation shares the vision of a sustainable tourism economy in Carcross that provides permanent year-round employment. We see a shared future with local benefits and business development while cherishing our culture and heritage," Chief Mark Wedge said.

The second summit is one of the commitments made by Carcross/Tagish First Nation, White Pass and the Yukon government when they signed the Destination Carcross Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 6, 2005. The MOU created a partnership to increase tourist visits and stimulate economic development in the Carcross area.

"White Pass is pleased with the progress so far on implementing the MOU," President Gary Danielson said. "We look forward to working with our partners to engage the private sector in developing Carcross as a marketable visitor destination."

White Pass has committed to bring train charters to Carcross this summer with the goal of scheduled service in 2006.
The Summit starts at 9 am with opening comments, a presentation on the new wilderness guide training program at the Yukon College Carcross Campus, an introduction to the Carcross/Tagish cultural workshop and plans for Carcross waterfront development. The afternoon will be dedicated to building an action plan for Destination Carcross. Summit information is available at http://www.destinationcarcross.com/.

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