Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 30, 2008Minister Joins Industry Association to Launch Tourism
Awareness Week
June 2-8 is Tourism Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador � a
time to celebrate and promote what this province has to offer to both
residents and visitors alike.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, together with Bruce Sparkes, President of Hospitality
Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), signed a proclamation today to
officially recognize the tourism industry and its continued contribution
to the province�s economy.
"Newfoundland and Labrador�s tourism industry is growing rapidly,
contributing millions of dollars to the economy in both urban and rural
regions of the province," Minister Jackman said. "Tourism Awareness Week
provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the many successes of the
industry and the entrepreneurial spirit of people who are the driving
force behind those successes."
During Tourism Awareness Week, HNL will continue to celebrate its 25
years as an organization dedicated to industry growth, diversification,
and the provision of quality services and experiences to visitors from
both within and outside the province.
"Throughout its 25 years as a member-based organization, HNL has
recognized the value of partnerships," Mr. Sparkes said. "More than ever
before, our partnerships with all levels of government, and with our
membership, are contributing to the overall growth and increased
awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as a top tourist destination."
Minister Jackman noted that the tourism industry is reaping the
benefits of increased investment in marketing
� which has doubled from $6
million to $12 million since 2004 � and an award-winning, multi-faceted
tourism marketing campaign which has resulted in an overall 15 per cent
increase in non-resident visitation in the last five years alone.
"Budget 2008 builds on that investment, providing $425,000 for
research initiatives designed to ensure we remain on the cutting edge of
an increasingly-competitive industry; $150,000 for season extension
projects; $100,000 annually for the next five years for maintenance to
the East Coast Trail; $100,000 for industry support designed to further
professionalize the services offered by our tourism operators, and
more," Minister Jackman said.
The minister said there are also opportunities in the months ahead
for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to explore areas of the
province they might not have visited before.
"This province has so much to offer, and we always encourage
residents to support our local industry, venture outside their home
regions - be �a tourist at home� � and see why the rest of the world is
coming to realize that Newfoundland and Labrador is an extraordinary
place to visit."
- 30 -