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March 10, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Viking Trail Tourism Association events funding

Premier Brian Tobin and Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, were pleased to announce today that funding has been approved for the Viking Trail Tourism Association for three of their anchor events which are a part of the Vikings! 1000 Years: Make the Journey celebrations, in the amount of $2, 311,515. The funding is available under the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

"This year the eyes of the world will be on the Viking Trail as we commemorate the arrival of the Vikings to our shores 1,000 years ago," the premier said. "This event represents a unique historical occurrence in our province, of international significance and provides us with another opportunity to spread our tourism message. The Viking Trail Tourism Association has been instrumental in promoting the Vikings! 1000 Years celebrations and the Viking Trail region as a travel destination, and government is pleased to assist them in this way."

The Viking Trail Tourism Association will implement three anchor events including the Viking Sail 2000, Snorri Explores Vinland and Sno Tour 2001 and will undertake a marketing support program as part of the Vikings! 1000 Years celebrations.

The Viking Sail will involve 15 Viking ships from Europe and North America in a sailing event starting on the coast of Labrador and crossing the Strait of Belle Isle to L�Anse aux Meadows.

The Snorri Explores Vinland involves the replica Viking ship Snorri which will depart from Gros Morne National Park and visit community festivals and events along the Viking Trail.

Sno Tour 2001 is an inaugural event slated for the winter of 2001 and includes a series of snowmobile tours of the Viking Trail which will utilize a new groomed snowmobile trail network on the Northern Peninsula.

"The tourism industry in this province is expanding and maturing at a rapid and exciting pace," said Mr. Furey. "Government, industry and the public have worked very hard to promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a preferred tourism destination, with adventure-filled and culturally rich experiences. The VTTA has done a fantastic job of promoting the Viking Trail in recent years, and is to be commended for a job well done. Vikings! 1000 Years will attract tourists from around the globe, and we look forward to joining the VTTA as we welcome the world to Newfoundland and Labrador."

Premier Tobin made the announcement today at the annual general meeting of the Viking Trail Tourism Association in St. Anthony.

Media contact: 

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3960
Mary MacNab
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
(709) 729-0928

2000 03 10 1:30 p.m.


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