The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, along with The Shorefast Foundation, today announced a $16-million geo-tourism project for Fogo Island and Change Islands. The project will position the area as a world-class destination for cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism. Announced by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the project will stimulate economic activity in the area, provide employment and celebrate its natural and cultural heritage.

"The Shorefast Foundation is developing a unique and significant geo-tourism initiative that has the capacity to bring important and sustainable economic benefits to Fogo Island and Change Islands," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The foundation will build on the existing tourism infrastructure of this area by developing world-class facilities and programming that incorporate the cultural history and natural heritage of the islands."

Key components of the project are an artist residency program and a five-star inn that features a conference centre, an art gallery and heritage library.

"The proposed inn and artist residency program marks an exciting opportunity to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador�s natural and cultural heritage to an affluent audience, while helping to diversify an entire region," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This initiative offers significant potential to strengthen the province�s high-end tourism industry. As a government, we are firmly committed to investing in infrastructure and projects that spur new opportunities and best position the province in a competitive global market."

To attract travellers seeking unique cultural experiences, and to build the profile of the region through the arts, the project will include:

• A world renowned Artist-in-Residency program, featuring studios in remote locations and restored traditional homes to be used as artist residences;
   
• A five-star inn with gallery space, a conference centre, and a heritage library;
   
• Distinctive regional cuisine to make the area a unique culinary destination;
   
• Access points to natural resources (trails, coasts, fish, birds, berries, icebergs) and cultural and heritage assets (boat building, gardening, cooking and preserving, fishing, quilting);
   
• Investment in traditional island crafts and skills, such as wooden boat building; and,
   
• Performance spaces and festivals for cultural events.

"This project is complementary to our position as a key player in the fishing industry and presents an opportunity for economic renaissance and diversity on Fogo Island and Change Islands. Built as it is, on our intrinsic ecological and cultural assets, this investment will also serve to promote the cultural and ecological sustainability of our islands" said Zita Cobb, President of Shorefast. "Our islands have much to appeal to international travellers seeking a unique experience. The project will add important demand-generating pieces to our infrastructure and will help position our islands as focal points for geo-tourism around the world."

Geo-tourism is "best practice" tourism that sustains, or even enhances, the character of a place, such as its culture, environment, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

The Shorefast Foundation operates on the principles of social entrepreneurship, meaning that business principles are used to organize, create, and manage a venture in order to make social change. The foundation has a mandate to participate in the economic and social revitalization of Fogo Island and Change Islands. Any surpluses derived from Shorefast�s projects will be re-invested into the community.

The Government of Canada is providing a total investment of $5 million and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $5 million. Shorefast Foundation is investing $6 million.

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