Conception Bay South Company Dives into Adventure Tourism

With a Provincial Government investment of $63,000, Conception Bay South-based Ocean Quest is solely focusing on the adventure tourism market. The investment will enable Ocean Quest to add a dedicated resource to strengthen the company's operations, enhance the skills of existing staff, and improve its marketing initiatives.

Diversification of Ocean Quest's operations was advanced through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development's Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program, which helps approximately 100 clients annually proactively identify opportunities to strengthen their operations.

"Ocean Quest has a first-rate reputation for delivering quality training and chartering services to divers, making ocean-related adventure tourism a clear expansion opportunity for the company," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Through our BR&E process, we have been working closely with the company to identify opportunities for greater business success. This investment will provide Ocean Quest with the resources to take the steps it needs to realize its full potential."

Founded in 1997, Ocean Quest has expanded from a basic diving charter operation to become Atlantic Canada's only five-star Technical and SCUBA Diving International training facility. It also offers dive training at the professional level, first aid and CPR courses, a full-service dive store, and a four-star lodge and conference facility.

"Ocean Quest's diving and boating packages and facilities have significantly contributed to, and promoted, the area's tourism brand," said the Honourable Terry French, MHA, Conception Bay South. "By helping it expand into new markets, I am confident the area will see additional employment opportunities, significant skill development for existing employees, and a continued growth in local tourism."

With the Provincial Government investment, the company will secure the professional services of an adventure tourism specialist to better position the company in the adventure tourism sector. The funding will also cover marketing material and website development, skills development training for staff, and trade show participation.

"I am very pleased to have secured support from the Provincial Government and for their recognition of Ocean Quest as an innovator in identifying viable tourism products," said Rick Stanley, Owner, Ocean Quest. "We intend to expand our product in economically viable ways while passionately protecting and preserving the environment for future generations. With the support from the Provincial Government, Ocean Quest will be able to provide new product to new markets in an effort to showcase our beautiful province."

This initiative was funded through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development's Business and Market Development Program and Workplace Skills Enhancement Program.

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