February 16, 2014
Investments Support Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Development
New initiatives to Boost Tourism Development Across Newfoundland and Labrador
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and
Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency),
and the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and
Rural Development, today announced federal and provincial investments
totalling more than $379,000 in support of three tourism development
projects in the province.
“Canada’s spectacular beauty attracts visitors to every region,
and our government’s investments are helping to grow the tourism
industry by having positive impacts on economic development and job
creation. Through ACOA, our government remains dedicated to working with
communities and industry partners to build sustainable tourism, and
provide resources to help Newfoundland and Labrador develop their
economic and community development capacities.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and
Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA)
Funding will support three projects supported by joint federal and
provincial government funding. In southern Labrador, the Town of Red Bay
is working on its visitor experience plan for the Red Bay Basque Whaling
Station UNESCO World Heritage Site to identify how the town can help
share the important story of the largest and most complete early
industrial-scale whaling site in the world. The project will help
identify key initiatives to create economic opportunities for the Town
of Red Bay and the entire Labrador Straits region.
In Ferryland, the town and its partners have worked together to
establish a Tourism Development Initiative that will enhance four
attractions in the area: the entrance to Ferryland, the Colony of
Avalon, the Regional Folk Arts Centre, and festival grounds and roadway
to the lighthouse. These developments will include new interpretation
signage, build on visitor experiences and enhance regional tourism.
In addition, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) is implementing
a year-long Accelerated Market Readiness Plan that will challenge 30
operators from across the province to build regional brands. This
project will foster increased regional cooperation and networking among
the businesses involved, and facilitate new relationships and
opportunities for cross promotion, packaging, referrals and joint
initiatives.
“Tourism is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest economic
drivers and over the past several years we have seen steady growth in
the resident and non-resident market, leading to what has become a
billion dollar industry. I am confident that funding totalling $379,000
will assist Red Bay, Ferryland and HNL achieve their goals, and will
support growth of the tourism industry in our province.”
- Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural
Development
Communities pursuing tourism opportunities like these, along with
tourism operators, managers, and leaders, will meet later this week at
HNL’s annual conference, the largest tourism gathering in the province.
The conference is an opportunity for HNL and industry partners to share
how they are working on meeting Newfoundland and Labrador’s goal of
doubling annual tourism revenues by 2020.
Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.
QUICK FACTS
- Federal and Provincial
Government investments totalling $379,000 will enable the Town of Red Bay to
develop a visitor experience plan for the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
UNESCO World Heritage Site; help the Town of Ferryland to implement its
Tourism Development Initiative; and enable HNL to implement an Accelerated
Market Readiness Plan.
- Funding for these
initiatives includes joint Federal and Provincial Government funding
totalling $79,200 for the Town of Red Bay, $223,354 for the Town of
Ferryland and $76,500 for HNL.
- HNL’s Annual Trade Show
and Conference will take place in Gander from February 26 to 28.
- ACOA’s Innovative
Communities Fund invests in strategic projects that build the economies of
Atlantic Canada's communities; ACOA’s
Business Development Program
helps small and medium-sized enterprises
set up, expand or modernize their businesses through access to capital in
the form of interest-free, unsecured, repayable contributions.
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Media contacts:
| Kelsie Corey Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Rob Moore Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 613-941-7241 |
Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-4570, 697-4137 |
| Julie Afonso Acting Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 |