Golf Newfoundland and Labrador Begins
Year 2 of Market Action Plan
Golf Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL) is receiving a
total of $47,000 from the Provincial Government to continue its efforts
to develop the golfing industry and market the province�s golfing
product.
The investment includes $30,000 in marketing support
from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and $17,000
provided through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF) of
the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. It builds on
a previous provincial commitment of $45,000, provided in 2008, which
helped facilitate GNL�s Year 1 activities.
"Over the past several years, the Provincial
Government has supported Golf Newfoundland and Labrador in its efforts
to promote the further development of young golfers within Newfoundland
and Labrador and to market our golf product to visitors as part of a
broader tourism package," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "We want to encourage residents,
vacationers and business travellers to take advantage of some of the
most scenic courses in Canada."
The funding will help build GNL�s new branding
program, create promotional materials, and develop educational and
marketing tools to enhance the industry. This year, the organization�s
marketing strategy includes the development of a promotional video, and
the establishment of each golf course�s front entrance Global
Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, to be placed on both the GNL
website and the province�s tourism website,
www.newfoundlandandlabrador.com. In addition, on June 30 of this
year, GNL will host a Provincial Golf Day at Pippy Park Public Golf
Course, with additional activities at participating courses across the
province including free access to driving ranges, complimentary golf
lessons, and putting contests.
"Newfoundland and Labrador�s golf industry offers a
unique experience to golfers," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner,
Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Course styles
range from beautiful, tree-lined landscapes and spectacular ocean views
in our national parks to the rugged, tranquil wilderness of Labrador.
The potential of this backdrop to attract visitors creates significant
opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service-based businesses,
increasing the viability of local communities."
The province�s golf course based industry consists of
76,000 golfers and generates approximately $12.8 million each year.
While the majority of golfers are men, the participation rate among
women is on the rise.
"The funding provided will enable GNL to continue with
the implementation of its three-year marketing strategy," said Golf
Newfoundland and Labrador President Trevor Stuber. "As year two unfolds,
GNL will further develop an array of marketing tools to enable us to
increase exposure to the provincial golf product, and to the provincial
tourism sector as a whole.
Formed in 1997, the GNL is a non-profit association
representing the owners and operators of nine and 18-hole golf courses
throughout the province. Its mandate is to promote the Newfoundland and
Labrador golf industry to both resident and non-resident golfers.
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