Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 18, 2011

Awards Honour Contributions to Tourism Industry

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, presented the Doug Wheeler Award and the Cultural Tourism Award in St. John’s today during Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2011 Lookout! Tourism Summit.

The Doug Wheeler Award is presented annually to a group or a person who has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The award honours Mr. Wheeler, a provincial public servant who passed away in 1981, to commemorate his tireless efforts to promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a tourism destination. This year’s recipient is Fred Parsons.

“For more than 25 years, Mr. Parsons has greatly contributed to the advancement and promotion of tourism in Grand Falls-Windsor, the surrounding region and throughout the province,” said Minister French. “His greatest role has been his ability to forge relationships and partnerships with communities and organizations in the entire central region. I congratulate Mr. Parsons and thank him for his tremendous contribution to the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism industry.”

The Mummers Festival is the recipient of the 2011 Cultural Tourism Award, presented annually by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. Held every December in St. John’s, the Mummers Festival offers a variety of free public events and activities.

“The Cultural Tourism Award recognizes efforts which result in an enriched cultural tourism experience for travellers to our province,” said Minister French. “The Mummers Festival is a unique, community-based event, which invites residents and tourists to join in the celebration of one of the province’s most recognized grassroots traditions – mummering. This innovative festival is an excellent example of how a well-known tradition can be enjoyed and showcased through cultural expression.”

Since 2003, the Provincial Government has more than doubled its annual investment in tourism marketing, from $6 million to $13 million. The tourism industry contributes over $850 million to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy and employs approximately 13,000 people.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
DianaQuinton@gov.nl.ca 

2011 02 18                                                    1:30 p.m.