Aboriginal tourism conference takes place next month.

• Position: Conference news

Aboriginal Tourism Ontario, anew regional tourism organization serving the province, will be launched on April 4 in Little Current at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre.

Spearheaded by the Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) based on Manitoulin Island, the initiative is designed to promote authentic cultural experiences around the province.

A recent economic impact study showed an $80-million benefit from cultural tourism across Ontario, showing the significant impact of cultural tourism to the provincial economy, said GSCT spokesperson Melanie De-bassige. Those numbers don't include international travellers.

The organization will have a board to help guide its mandate, with representatives from the northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest.comers of the province, as well as a GSCT representative. The organization also has support from the Union of Ontario Indians and the federal government.

Debassige said the organization will help promote job creation, not just for First Nations people, but people all around the province.

Following the announcement, the GSCT will embark on a marketing campaign to promote the initiative, including setting up a new website with more information, to position the organization up for international marketing.

Representatives from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Tourism and Sport are expected to attend.

The launch will coincide with the GSCT's...