Founded in 1993, the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon was originally developed to provide adventure tour operators and guides an avenue in which to discuss, investigate, lobby and represent any issues that uniquely affect the wilderness tourism sector.
Today, WTAY's overall objective remains the same, however we have continued to change and adapt as we respond to our growing industry's distinct needs. Currently, WTAY is responsible for various initiatives, such as: facilitating educational seminars to increase knowledge and training; making available relevant research and communications; developing and promoting the Yukon as a year-round travel destination; acting as a liaison with the territorial, federal and First Nations governments as well as other associations; and managing the Yukon Wild Cooperative Marketing Program.
The Wilderness Tourism Assocation of the Yukon (WTAY) is a membership-based, non-profit society governed by the Yukon Society Act. WTAY is a volunteer industry-led organization, governed by an elected Board of Directors, who represent and support businesses and wilderness community tourism interests throughout the Yukon. We focus our efforts in three main areas: industry development, destination development and destination stewardship.
To be globally recognized leaders creating an environment of opportunity in which Yukon’s vibrant and healthy wilderness tourism industry can thrive
WTAY provides a unified voice for our members – educating and advocating for Yukon’s natural wilderness product and the tourism operators who use it. WTAY also promotes high-quality visitor experiences through our Yukon Wild brand.
We believe in sustainable tourism and we encourage our members to provide authentic and meaningful experiences - but not at the expense of Yukon’s land, culture and history.
• Providing responsible and respectful representation;
• Acting in a progressive and sustainable manner; and,
• Providing an operating Code of Conduct and expected standard of care.
• Providing responsible and respectful representation;
• Acting in a progressive and sustainable manner; and,
• Providing an operating Code of Conduct and expected standard of care.
Guided by the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, WTAY has made the following commitments in order to develop a successful year-round destination and industry in the Yukon:
The Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon is governed by a Board of Directors and led by the Executive Director.
The WTAY bylaws were updated on February 15, 2023. Click below to find the full version on the bylaws.
Read the bylawsWTAY also works closely with a number of supporters that are integral to the success of WTAY’s goals.
The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon is the visitor industry association forging a common voice and actions to influence, promote and assist the development of tourism in the Yukon.
VisitThe Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit organization that is committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors.
VisitThe Klondike Visitors Association is a not-for-profit tourism sector organization, based in Dawson City, Yukon, representing local and regional members and industry stakeholders.
VisitThe Yukon Historical & Museums Association is a registered charity that works to inspire and share a passion for Yukon heritage.
VisitThe Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit organization that is committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors.
VisitThe Yukon Outfitters Association is committed to conservation and a sustainable outfitting heritage.
Visit
We respectfully acknowledge that the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon and our members, through various initiatives, operate on the traditional territories of the Indigenous Peoples in the Yukon Territory.
