Development Enhances Heritage Run's Adventure Tourism

The Heritage Run Tourism Association (HRTA) is undertaking development of a multi-purpose, eco-friendly trail system that links communities on the Burin Peninsula to the Newfoundland T'Railway. Made possible by a $91,000 investment from the Provincial Government, the new trail network has the potential to generate increased usage and new opportunities for businesses servicing the adventure tourism industry.

"Development of the new trail system leverages existing infrastructure and links the popular Newfoundland T'Railway to communities on the Burin Peninsula," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The new initiative enhances the region's ability to attract trail users and creates new opportunities for tourism operators, adventure tourism outfitters, and retailers. It also marks another important step in growing the province's outfitting industry, which continues to grow in all regions of the province."

The project entails 53 kilometres of excavation to create a trail loop, linking the Garnish-Point Rosie, Powder Horn, Boat Harbour-Rushoon, and Jean de Baie trails. This includes adding four kilometres to the Lance au Loup trail that will eventually connect back to the Garnish-Point Rosie trail.

"This is a sustainable, geotourism initiative on a regional scale," said Irene Hurley, Chair, HRTA. "Connecting existing, well-maintained trails will encourage responsible trail use and stewardship. Adventure tourists will enjoy an extended season, increase their length of stay, and bring more economic benefits to partnering communities."

Since the mid-1990s, regional groups have been hard at work constructing, managing, and maintaining several hundred kilometres of trail. However, to date many of these trails are only accessible from a single community and can be travelled end-to-end in less than half a day. The combined trail system, connecting to the 883-kilometre Newfoundland T'Railway, will give travellers the option of extended excursions across the Burin Peninsula and beyond.

"With its multitude of attractions and historical sites, the Burin Peninsula boasts more than 12,000 visitors each year," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA, Burin-Placentia West. "The trail development gives local operators improved means to target this tourism market year-round, grow their businesses, and offer both resident and non-resident visitors a memorable Newfoundland and Labrador adventure experience."

Incorporated in 1992, HRTA is a not-for-profit organization operated by a regional, volunteer board representing the business community and municipalities of the Burin Peninsula. Its mandate is to market the Burin Peninsula to resident and non-resident visitors as the destination of choice for the purpose of increasing revenues for tourism-related businesses.

"The new development will make it easier for tourism operators from multiple communities to combine services and create attractive, quality adventure tourism packages for travellers seeking an extended outdoor cultural experience," said the Honourable Darin King, MHA, Grand Bank. "This project will boost the regional economy and increase the prominence of the region's tourism brand."

"This is a very positive development for the local area," said Calvin Peach, MHA, Bellevue. "It will significantly enhance the region's ability to attract trail users from both in and outside the province. The Heritage Run Tourism Association should also be acknowledged for their impressive work in advancing this initiative."

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 for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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2010 02 05                         10:35 a.m.