Client Services

Why We're Here

The Tourism Product Development & Research Unit provides the tourism industry and our clients with market-driven information, technical assistance and support to maximize tourism growth.

One of the primary functions of the unit is to develop and implement strategic research and planning initiatives on behalf of and in partnership with Yukon's tourism industry, including visitor exit surveys and regional tourism plans. Exit Survey results are used by entrepreneurs and in the tourism planning process to identify business opportunities and assist in the development of business plans to capitalize on these opportunities. The unit also manages the Tourism Industry Resource Centre, an additional source of tourism intelligence.

Using the above resources, unit staff assist clients with their business needs from defining a business idea to developing their tourism product. Staff also serve as liaisons for the tourism industry and often represent their interests in various government planning forums

Who's Who

Robert Clark - Manager, Research & Product Development

Robert's primary responsibility is managing the department's strategic research projects, such as the Visitor Exit Surveys and the Tourism Economic Impact Surveys. He is the administrator of the department's Tourism Product Inventory Database.

Email: robert.clark@gov.yk.ca
Phone: 867-667-5632
Fax: 867-393-7005

Cathryn Paish - Tourism Resource Coordinator

Cathryn works with industry and regional partners on local and regional tourism planning, and other planning and development activities that involve or affect tourism. She represents the Department's tourism interests in land and environmental review processes and helps operators navigate the rules and regulations that are part of doing business in the Yukon. Cathryn and Denise manage wilderness tourism inventories and maps.

Email: cathryn.paish@gov.yk.ca
Phone: 867-667-5433
Fax: 867-393-7005

Shannon McNevin - Product Development Officer

Shannon works with the tourism industry suppliers and operators to develop their ideas for tourism programs and to enhance their existing product offerings.  She counsels operators on an individual or group basis and delivers tourism workshops for communities asd associations as requested.  She can assist with product packaging, pricing, marketing, product marekt match, networking, nhow to work with the travel trade, etc.

Email: Shannon.mcnevin@gov.yk,ca
Phone: 867-667-8723
Fax: 867-667-3546

Shanna Epp- Assistant Product Specialist/TCMF Co-ordinator

Shanna co-ordinates the Tourism co-operative marketing Fund for the department  She aslo works closely with Cathryn Paish. She maintains the Wilderness Tourism Database and helps clients with information for tourism business planning/development.

Email: shanna.epp@gov.yk.ca
Phone: 867-393-7133
Fax: 867-667-3546

Chris Balderas - A/Research Officer

Chris primary responsibility is to provide research and statistical services to Tourism Product Development & Research projects. Chris oversees the summer visitor surveys and related research projects.

Email: chris.balderas@gov.yk.ca
Phone: 867-667-8410
Fax: 867-667-3546

Tourism and Culture
Government of Yukon
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6
 
Phone: (867) 667-5036
Toll free (In Yukon):
1-800-661-0408, local 5036
Fax: (867) 667-3546
tirc@yknet.yk.ca