Tourism, Culture and Recreation
July 9, 2007

Canada�s New Government and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Invest in Province�s Cruise Industry

Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador (Cruise NL) will continue to market this province as an ideal cruise destination thanks to investments of nearly $300,000 from Canada�s New Government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and $100,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

�Canada�s New Government is committed to supporting economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and we recognize the tourism industry as an important contributor,� said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA.  �Through our investment of almost $300,000, we are helping Cruise NL increase the growth of the cruise ship market and create new job opportunities right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.� 

"Our expanding cruise ship industry provides local economic benefits and contributes to the growth in tourism throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.  "By partnering with the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador we will continue to successfully develop and grow this industry for the long-term."

Cruise NL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with four European countries � Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and the Orkney Islands � to establish working partnerships to promote cruising in the North Atlantic rim and to increase awareness of ports of call in Newfoundland and Labrador.  On the heels of this MOU, they will undertake marketing activities such as advertising, trade shows, familiarization tours and the development of promotional materials to entice more cruise lines to include the province�s ports in their itineraries.

�Our unique coastlines and vibrant culture make Newfoundland and Labrador a world-class destination for cruise ships,� said Stelman Flynn, chair of Cruise NL�s board of directors. �Our new MOU with Europe and this funding will help us raise awareness of the natural and cultural wonders that our ports of call have to offer to the global cruising market.�

Cruise NL, also known as the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, was formed in 2002 by industry stakeholders to support the sustainable development of the cruise industry in the province.  It comprises a 17-member volunteer board and its mandate is supported by a host of other business-development and tourism-focused organizations such as the City of St. John�s, City of Corner Brook, Corner Brook Port Corporation, St. John�s Port Authority, and Parks Canada Newfoundland and Labrador District.

Of the 22 cruise ships that visited the province in 2006, the majority were from adventure/exploration cruise lines.  It is estimated that the cruise ship industry contributes approximately $5 million annually to the province�s economy.

The $286,235 investment by Canada�s New Government is through ACOA�s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which works to build on the strengths of communities and provide the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth.

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2007 07 09                                        2:45 p.m.