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May 20, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following is being distributed at the request of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador:

Central region launches Tourism Awareness Month at Salmonid Centre

The Salmonid Interpretation Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor will be the site of Central Newfoundland's launch of Tourism Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign organized by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL).

Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will officially launch the province-wide Tourism Awareness Month campaign in Labrador on Monday, May 26. Promotional activities will continue throughout the month until June 20. The campaign promotes resident tourism and highlights the economic significance of tourism to our province. HNL encourages Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be more aware of the province-wide benefits of tourism and for individual regions especially this year, being the year of the Cabot 500 Celebrations.

This year's theme for Tourism Awareness Month is "Do It! - Let's Welcome the World with Our Home-made Charm!". Cathy Duke, the executive director of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, said the theme was selected in order to motivate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become more active in tourism.

"We all have a role in the tourism and hospitality industry and a responsibility to ensure that each visitor returns home with an impression of our province as a friendly, pristine, and unique destination. People should especially be aware of the events and attractions available in their region, in order to become better ambassadors of hospitality," Ms. Duke said. "There's a lot for tourists to see and do here, and a lot for us to be proud of."

Central region will have an opportunity to showcase its home-made charm. On Monday, May 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Exploits Valley Tourism Association will host the launch at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, featuring entertainment by Danette Eddy. Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador vice-president Bart Philpott will present the Ambassador of Hospitality Awards to winners from the central region. Guests will also be given a tour of the Salmon Ladder.

Tickets for the Central Newfoundland launch are available from the Exploits Valley Tourism Association at (709) 489-9629, or from Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador at (709) 258-6108. Tickets cost $15 each.

HNL initiated the awareness campaign with Tourism Awareness Week several years ago, and it has since been adopted throughout Canada.

Contact: Elizabeth Hobbs, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Central Region, tel. (709) 258-6108 or fax. (709) 258-6118.

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BACKGROUNDER
Other Central Region Tourism Awareness Month Events:

• - The Twillingate Business Association will kick-off the month with a Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Super Host seminar.

  - On May 30, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Convention hold a reception at the Mount Peyton Hotel in Grand Falls-Windsor to officially launch Central Newfoundland's A Taste of Newfoundland and Labrador, a new program promoting the very best in local and traditional cuisine.

  - The town of Gander will host a Tourism Awareness Open House on June 3 which includes tea with the mayor and guided tours of various tourism attractions throughout the community.