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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
September 10, 2012

Co-operation Grows Gros Morne’s Tourism Industry

The Gros Morne Co-operating Association will use a $28,166 investment from the Provincial Government to implement initiatives outlined in the Gros Morne Cultural Blueprint. Throughout the blueprint’s implementation, the association is building and diversifying the region’s tourism industry to provide maximum opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“In any industry, the exploration of new opportunities and the development of new products are essential for continued growth,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “This approach to economic and social development will ensure that Gros Morne’s cultural and natural assets are fully developed and promoted to derive maximum benefits for the region. This project also invites the potential for new business opportunities within the hospitality and service sector.”

The Gros Morne Cultural Blueprint highlights the need for a collaborative approach towards product development and marketing the region as an international tourism destination. In addition to the Provincial Government, other partners include the Federal Government, private sector enterprises, academic institutions, local municipalities, and arts and cultural organizations.

“The province’s west coast boasts many cultural attractions,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Implementing the initiatives in the Gros Morne Cultural Blueprint will provide further opportunities to increase and profile the region’s cultural community. This project will help attract more people to the region and expand our cultural product, which in turn will boost tourism on the west coast.”

The Gros Morne Co-operating Association is a non-profit organization that supports the protection, preservation, interpretation and development of the Gros Morne National Park’s heritage. Working with regional stakeholders, the association will build on existing cultural products and explore ways to market and promote the region as a cultural destination and a location for creative professionals to work. In addition, the association will research possible business opportunities to provide ground transportation within Gros Morne National Park.

“Gros Morne is already recognized as a natural destination,” said Colleen Kennedy, Executive Director, Gros Morne Co-operating Association. “Now through the development of key partnerships we will create more, rich cultural products that will enhance the summer visitor experience and allow for opportunities to extend the tourist season. This will help with our overall goal of gaining national and international recognition for Gros Morne’s natural surroundings as an environment for cultural creativity.”

Internationally-renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities, Gros Morne National Park of Canada was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On average approximately 180,000 people visit the park each year.

“This project speaks to the value of regional cooperation in economic growth and development,” said Minister Hutchings. “The collaboration of so many stakeholders, from various backgrounds and perspectives, will have a positive and long-lasting impact on the Gros Morne region, creating additional opportunities and a stronger tourism industry.”

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This program, through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:
 

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business
and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
 
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
Colleen Kennedy
Executive Director
Gros Morne Co-operating Association
709-458-3605
 

2012 09 10                          3:15 p.m.

 
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