2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer

2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer

Please note the release has been updated to reflect that it is a minimum of $250,000 that will be available through the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition funding program. 

With new incentives for Yukoners to explore the world-class opportunities in their own backyard, 2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer.

The Great Yukon Summer campaign encourages Yukoners to travel in Yukon, to revisit or discover for the first time the world-class cultural and outdoor experiences available here and to enjoy the amazing festivals and events throughout the territory. Residents travelling within Yukon will help generate much-needed revenue for Yukon businesses in the travel, entertainment and hospitality industries, which have been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19.

The On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition funding program and the Great Yukon Summer Yukoner Travel Rebate program will encourage Yukoners to travel around the territory and enjoy unique tourism experiences. Additional funding will help Yukon businesses build marketing campaigns to maximize the attraction of Yukoners this summer.

On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition

A total of $500,000 in new funding is now available for festivals, events and other summer activities across the territory to entertain Yukoners. The funding will be distributed through two channels:

  • Up to $250,000 will be offered to the organizers of events already receiving funding, either through the Arts Fund or the Arts Operating Fund, to help amplify and increase the reach of these events.
  • A minimum of $250,000 will be available through the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition funding program. Applications for public events planned in Yukon between June 21 and September 30, 2021, are now being accepted. Awards of up to $15,000 are available for non-profit societies, industry and community associations, First Nations and municipal governments, Yukon businesses and collectives with 80 per cent of eligible costs covered. Any events already planned that did not receive funding from the Department of Tourism and Culture can apply for the funding if they meet eligibility criteria.

Great Yukon Summer Yukoner Travel Rebate program

To encourage Yukoners to vacation here in the territory this summer, a 25 per cent rebate will be available for packaged tourism experiences between June 4 and September 30, 2021. Local tourism businesses will offer these packages, starting at $250 per person. Eligible packages, as well as flights and air travel within the territory, will be available at https://www.travelyukon.com/greatyukonsummer  starting on June 4. Yukoners must pay the full package price upfront, but can submit a simple application with receipts and a declaration of proof of residency for a rebate after their trip occurs. Rebate applications must be submitted by October 31.

Campaign development program for Yukon businesses

All Yukon tourism businesses and operators who provide a package for the Great Yukon Summer Yukoner Travel Rebate program are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to go towards advertising creative from a Yukon marketing professional or publication to promote their package.

The Yukon is known as one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the world. The Great Yukon Summer Campaign will encourage Yukoners to explore the territory while supporting our extensive network of internationally recognized tourism operators. I encourage Yukoners to explore their own stunning backyard, while continuing to follow the Safe 6 plus 1. Look for the Great Yukon Summer icon as you plan your adventures and let’s make this summer one to remember.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai

Quick facts 
  • Deadline to apply for the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition fund is 4:30 p.m. on June 18, 2021.

  • Funding decisions will be made and communicated by June 25. Applications for the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition fund will be accepted beyond the June deadline if funds are still available after decisions are made.

  • Eligible Great Yukon Summer tourism packages will be available for booking on June 4, 2021.

  • The rebate will be available for packaged tourism experiences happening between June 4 and September 30.

  • Deadline to apply for the 25 per cent rebate for Great Yukon Summer tourism packages is October 31, 2021.

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-3670
alicia.debreceni@yukon.ca

News release #: 
21-149