Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
October 2, 2009
Visitors to Relive Late 19th
Century Fishing Settlement Through Experience Fogo
The Town of Fogo is working to capitalize on the
growing market for experiential tourism with the launch
of Experience Fogo. With an investment of more
than $63,000 from the Provincial Government, the
initiative will capitalize on increasing interest in the
Change Islands and Fogo Island and enable the community
to offer innovative and unique cultural experiences to
visitors.
"Experience Fogo is a unique concept that will
contribute to the critical mass of tourism product in
the area," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister
of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "As
travellers seek out new and interesting learning
experiences, it is important for the Provincial
Government to work with our community partners to
develop initiatives that best position the province.
This initiative is a positive step in supporting the
local tourism industry and expanding the region�s
economic base."
Through Experience Fogo, visitors will be able
to relive the everyday life of a resident in a remote
fishing settlement during the late 19th
century. Visitors will farm crops using traditional
methods, dry fish, and make fish nets and tools.
"Fogo Island is a place of interest for tourists,"
said Derrick Dalley, MHA, Isles of Notre Dame. "It is
home to beautiful coastlines and panoramic views, along
with a strong culture and heritage. This initiative
helps complement those strengths and will help diversify
the local economy and will provide new opportunities for
local entrepreneurs."
Experience Fogo complements the Provincial
Government�s $5 million investment in the Shorefast
Foundation that was announced in January 2009. The
Shorefast Foundation is building a five-star inn and
artist residency program that will showcase the area�s
unique natural and cultural heritage.
"As a council we feel that this project will do much
to enhance the enjoyment and experience of visitors to
our town and to Fogo Island as a whole," said Andrew
Shea, Mayor of Fogo. "When finished, this project will
complement other projects that have been successfully
completed over the past few years. Visitors and
residents alike will be able to experience firsthand
what it was like to live in a fishing village hundreds
of years ago."
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009:
Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund.
Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable
contributions to economic development agencies and
community groups for initiatives that address regional
and sectoral development and diversification.
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