Province�s tourism marketing receives an additional $1 million

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation�s tourism marketing budget will be increased by $1 million bringing the total to $4.9 million.

"Tourism has increased significantly in the last five years, setting another record for growth in 2001," said Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "In the increasingly competitive global tourism environment, this government is focusing on an enhanced tourism marketing strategy to set priorities for 2003 and beyond to complement the development of a province-wide tourism product development strategy. The increase in funding will enhance our innovative and successful core tourism marketing campaign."

Tourism, Culture and Recreation continues to employ a consistent message in our sightseeing, outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing, meetings, convention and incentive travel markets. This strategy is being regarded as very successful. The province�s tourism marketing and advertising strategy is winning international awards, 12 since 2000.

"The tourism marketing division is looking forward to new and exciting initiatives for 2002 and beyond," said Minister Aylward. " The year 2001 was another growth year in terms of tourism performance with non-resident visitors estimated at 427,500. This maintains the trend of the last four years of tourism growth in the province. Recent market intelligence and data in a number of key areas suggest another good year for tourism in 2002."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

2002 03 21                             3:30 p.m.