Learning from China: 65 N.W.T. businesses heading over seas in 2017

With so many Chinese tourists visiting the North, the chamber of commerce in Yellowknifesays atrip over seas will help businesses better understand what these tourists value.

That's why the organization is putting together a trip that will includea business conference with some of China's leaders in their economic industries and exports.

So far, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce says65 people from all over the Northwest Territories have signed up for the trip, which is set to happen inApril 2017.

Deneen Everette, the chamber's executive director, went on a similar trip earlier this year. She said it was a bucket-list item for her.

"We visited a museum where they showed us how a small rice village turned into millions of people living in the city in a span of 20 years so it's just a good chance to be exposed to something different," said Everette.

She said the11-daytour will includeChina's top attractions along with opportunities to learn about China's economic development regions, luxury goods and Chinese culture.

Wayne Guyof Guy Architects will be joining the chamber on the trip. He said he's looking forwardto sharingan exotic experience with fellow business owners.

With the Northwest Territories being one of the most sparsely populated places on the planet and China one of the most dense, Guy said he willlearn a lot.

"It will be interesting for me, and from an urban design point of view, just to see how they cope within their cities... and given the new industrial economy how they mesh the new with the traditional and the old," he said.