The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that regional Visitor Information Centres in 25 communities throughout the province have received a total of $153,300 in operational support through the Visitor Services Program.

"These regional visitor centres provide information and services to both resident and non-resident travellers who are seeking basic information, as well as guidance on what attractions and experiences are available in a given area," said Minister French. "The people employed at these centres are also an integral part of provincial and local stakeholder efforts to ensure visitors get a positive impression, and have a positive experience, during their stay."

The regional Visitor Information Centres are located in Baie Verte, Bay Bulls, Bay Roberts, Conne River, Corner Brook, Elliston, Gambo, Gander, Glovertown, Goobies, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Grand Falls-Windsor, Rocky Harbour, Harbour Grace, Hawke's Bay, Labrador City, L'anse au Clair, Manuals, Marystown, Mount Pearl, Newville, Southern Bay, Springdale, St. Anthony, and St. John's.

In addition to providing support for the 25 regional centres, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation also operates nine Provincial Visitor Information Centres located at the St. John's International Airport, the Deer Lake International Airport, North Sydney (Nova Scotia), Port aux Basques, Deer Lake Highway, Notre Dame Junction, Clarenville, Whitbourne and Argentia.

Since 2003, the Provincial Government has more than doubled its investment in tourism marketing, from $6 million to $13 million. The tourism industry contributed almost $850 million to the provincial economy in 2008, up from $790 million in 2007, and employs approximately 13,000 people.

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