SABRI�s Tourism Plan Made Possible with Provincial Government Support

St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI) is receiving a $108,935 investment from the Provincial Government to help implement its tourism infrastructure master plan. The plan will enhance local trail infrastructure and signage through 16 communities around the tip of the Northern Peninsula.

�With a rich history, spectacular scenery, and some of the province�s most popular attractions, the Northern Peninsula holds significant tourism potential,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

�Through investments of this nature we are supporting the continued growth of the local industry and working to enhance the experience that visitors have while in the region. As a government, we are confident that the region�s potential will lead to increased economic and employment opportunities for local residents.�

SABRI�s tourism master plan outlines a framework for the region and opportunities focused on creating a more dynamic tourism destination. During this component of plan�s implementation, existing trails will be upgraded to Parks Canada standards, sub-standard trails will be decommissioned, and interpretative signage will be installed.

�The 16 communities located on the tip of the Northern Peninsula, from North Boat Harbour to Goose Cove have worked together over the past several years with SABRI and the steering committee to develop a Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan for the region,� said Sam Elliott, Executive Director, SABRI. �SABRI is pleased to partner in this initiative to develop and enhance tourism infrastructure within the region. We are confident that implementation of the plan will enhance visitor experience and in turn create additional economic activity.�

The plan incorporated significant input from community stakeholders, as well as economic development groups, and various levels of government.

�This initiative is representative of what�s possible when key stakeholders partner and collaborate to strengthen our regions,� said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, MHA, The Straits-White Bay North. �Through the implementation of SABRI�s plan, I am confident that the tourism product on the tip of the Northern Peninsula will be enhanced.�

SABRI is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to administer a 3,000 metric tonne shrimp allocation on behalf of a 16 community region. Revenues derived from its shrimp allocation are invested back into the region it serves.

Funding for this project is provided through the Provincial Government�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). RSDF is a $5-million fund that provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2008 12 30                             10:30 a.m.