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February 2, 1996
(Executive Council)


Federal/Provincial Economic Renewal Program to further develop tourism in province

Premier Brian Tobin today announced that over $22 million over the next four years will be made available through the joint Federal/ Provincial Economic Renewal Program to further develop tourism as a major contributor to the provincial economy. Details of the Economic Renewal Program will be outlined and costed during a joint news conference next week with Premier Brian Tobin and federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Fred Mifflin in St. John's.

During a luncheon speech at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Convention in Gander today, Premier Brian Tobin gave an overview of the government's new approach to developing the tourism industry. "Together, the tourism industry and government have made good progress in developing our tourism product," said Premier Tobin, "but we still have untapped potential. I am confident that government and industry together will increase tourism revenues in this province and for this province. In strengthening our tourism product, we strengthen the economy."

Premier Tobin said nine interpretive centers will be built or enhanced at specific locations of national and international historic significance around the province. The locations and amounts will be released during a joint federal/provincial news conference next week. Each and every facility will serve to showcase our rich history and culture to visitors as well as educate present and future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. "We take pride in educating others and ourselves about our culture and history. We want to tell others about a way of life that existed generations ago and which, I am proud to say, can still be experienced in many communities throughout this province."

Mr. Tobin said that government will also take a proactive approach to tourism marketing through increasing promotional efforts, strengthening the provincial presence at trade shows and forging productive relationships with tour companies and travel writers.

A key to this new approach, said the premier, was the signing today of a memorandum of understanding today between NewTel Enterprises Ltd, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador and the provincial government to establish the Tourism Destination Management System. All operators throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will have access to a system that will simultaneously provide tourists with information and the ability to book their accommodations through a central reservation system. "This feature will enable us to be more competitive internationally," he said.

Premier Tobin said that government is committed to preserving and strengthening our cultural integrity through developing self-sustaining cultural events which will showcase our artists and artisans. He noted the fact that the provincial government has secured the additional $700,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council to produce the Year of the Arts in 1997. "Recognizing the importance of this celebration, I immediately contacted the new minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps who had readily committed to finding the necessary $700,000," said Tobin.

New funding will also be provided to the Cabot 500 celebrations; this is in addition to the $5.5 million already budgeted by the provincial government. "The celebration of John Cabot's voyage into the new world is our birthright," said Premier Tobin. He emphasized that the Cabot celebrations will showcase our people, our culture, our heritage and our history. "In preparing for 1997, we are preparing ourselves for a better tomorrow."

Tourism is an important contributor to the provincial economy. In 1995, more than 300,000 visitors came to our province and spent over $150 million. During that same year, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians spent over $300 million on tourism within the province.

Contact: Cathy Coady, Director of Communications, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3970 or (709) 682-3599.

1996 02 02 1:00 p.m. /md

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