"Every year, 30,000 tourists drive through Flower�s Cove on their way to visit L�Anse aux Meadows, most of them without stopping. This is an opportunity lost. Tourists are here for a cultural experience and we have much to offer them," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Town of Flower�s Cove has identified seven sites of interest that it plans to develop into a driving tour which I am pleased to support. At the same time, tourists expect more of their accommodations, which is why we are helping Crow�s Nest increase its rating from 2.5 to 3.5 stars on the Canada Select Scale."

Budget 2007 re-affirmed the Provincial Government�s commitment to economic development in rural areas of the province by allocating $8 million to the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Fund and $5 million to the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF).

"There is no question that the Northern Peninsula has the natural wonders, culture and heritage that make the region an outstanding and compelling draw for tourists from all over Canada and the world," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The funding announced today will enhance the region�s ability to draw visitors with still more compelling activities, as well as provide the enhanced accommodations that are necessary to entice travelers to remain in the area for more sustained periods."

The seven tourism sites Flower�s Cove has identified for development are: an entrance kiosk; the Marjorie Bridge and Thrombolities Trail; the Seal Skin Boot Church; Flower Island Lighthouse View; Limestone Barrens White Rocks geological walk; local root cellars; and a waterfront rest stop that together could be marketed as a driving tour.

"The 30,000 tourists that drive through our community every year are potential guests and we would like them to spend time with us," says Mayor Keith Billard who heads the Flower�s Cove Driving Tour project. "We want to educate the public on the geological and historical significance of the area. We want to hire a landscape architect to develop our sites in a way which will have low maintenance costs and will emphasize their significance."

Crow�s Nest in St. Anthony has eight rooms, four with private baths and four sharing one bath. The proprietor will increase the number of bathrooms, upgrade wall and floor coverings, and install new dining room furniture to make the business more marketable.

"These improvements will not increase the number of guests we can accommodate, but it will provide them with a better experience," said Lott Ropson, president of Crow�s Nest Enterprises. He added that tourism statistics indicate that visitors to the province are 45 or older, well educated with good jobs, and they expect good quality hospitality and amenities.

"I am pleased that our government is able to help communities and business people on the Northern Peninsula benefit from the growing economic opportunities presented by the tourism industry in the region," said Minister Taylor.

The SME Fund provides term loans and equity investments to small and medium-sized businesses in strategic growth sectors with special emphasis on value-added manufacturing, information technology, aquaculture, bio-technology, marine services, agrifoods and tourism, where local competitive impact is not an issue. The fund will also target businesses which have export potential and need assistance to enter or expand in external markets. RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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