2018 another record year for Yukon tourism

Tourism Yukon’s 2018 Year-End Report shows Yukon’s tourism sector had another banner year in 2018, setting new records for a number of key indicators, with further growth projected for 2019.

2018 highlights include direct international border crossings surpassing half a million entries, increases in overnight visitors and air arrivals at Erik Neilson Whitehorse International Airport by five and six per cent, respectively, and retail sales rising almost five per cent to $837 million.

In addition to 2018’s strong performance, the report forecasts continued growth for 2019 with projected increases across all key indicators.

As the numbers from recent years show, the collective efforts of our tourism operators, industry partners and the Department of Tourism are paying off. Yukon’s appeal as a year-round world-class travel destination is growing and, with the release of our new Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, we are well positioned to sustainably grow tourism for the benefit of all Yukoners.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys

Quick facts 
  • Total retail sales in Yukon reached an all-time high of $837 million. 

  • Direct international border crossings into Yukon surpassed half a million, representing 15 per cent growth from 2017.

  • The Canadian Tourism Research Institute estimates that Yukon saw 323,000 overnight visitors in 2018, an increase of 4.8 per cent over 2017. 

  • 2018 saw 194,000 air passenger arrivals at Erik Neilson Whitehorse International Airport in Whitehorse. This represents a six per cent growth over 2017. 

  • In 2018, nearly 61,900 non-residents camped at one of Yukon’s 41 government campgrounds. This represents an increase of 11 per cent over 2017. 

  • Between May and September 2018, nearly 393,800 people went to one of Yukon’s seven visitor information centres. 

  • The annual Year-End Report compiles market and tourism data and statistics from a wide array of sources to provide a window into trends and the overall health of Yukon tourism in a given year.

Media contact 

Lisa Bucher
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
lisa.bucher@gov.yk.ca

Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
19-129