Operators Recognized for Contributions to Thriving Tourism Industry

Minister Presents Cultural Tourism and Doug Wheeler Awards

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, presented the Cultural Tourism Award and the Doug Wheeler Award in Gander today during the 2014 Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Annual General Meeting and Convention. The Shorefast Foundation of Fogo Island is the recipient of the 2014 Cultural Tourism Award, while Colleen Kennedy was honoured with the Doug Wheeler Award.

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize these members of our tourism community for their outstanding contributions to the industry. There are countless groups and individuals who work tirelessly to promote the incredible tourism product we have in our province, and I am pleased that their efforts are recognized each year through these awards. I offer heartfelt congratulations to both Colleen Kennedy and the Shorefast Foundation as the recipients of this year's awards.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Presented annually, the Doug Wheeler Award recognizes a group or individual 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, and commemorates his efforts to promote the province as a tourism destination.

The Cultural Tourism Award is presented annually by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. Cultural tourism is defined as the offering of an experience that celebrates the intrinsic value of a community’s culture, heritage and lifestyle. At its essence is the opportunity to connect the visitor with a way of life, to make the everyday exotic and to facilitate the encounters of people with place.

Biographies of this year's award winners can be found in the backgrounder below.

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

• Colleen Kennedy received the 2014 Doug Wheeler Award and the Shorefast Foundation received the 2014 Cultural Tourism Award.
• Tourism spending reached $1 billion in Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time in 2011, putting the province well ahead of schedule for achieving the Vision 2020 goal of doubling tourism spending to $1.6 billion annually.
• Since 2006, the Provincial Government has invested more than $100 million in tourism marketing.

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BACKGROUNDER
2014 Doug Wheeler and Cultural Tourism Awards Recipients

Colleen Kennedy, O.N.L. - 2014 Doug Wheeler Award
Involved in the province’s tourism industry for 18 years, Colleen Kennedy has been instrumental in the establishment of significant tourism-related infrastructure on the west coast of the province, including her work developing the cultural blueprint known as Creative Gros Morne.

A relentless supporter of the tourism industry, her enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine friendly personality is well known not only on the West Coast, but throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Earlier this month, Ms. Kennedy was named a recipient of the 2013 Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for her dedication and commitment to the province and its people.

The Shorefast Foundation - 2014 Cultural Tourism Award
The Shorefast Foundation was established in 2003 as a registered charity whose purpose was to develop a new model for economic and cultural resilience for Fogo Island.

The foundation exemplifies the quality attributes of cultural tourism by creating meaningful interpretive opportunities that celebrate craft, cuisine, history and art and presents them through various festivals, special celebrations and a world-class inn. The foundation has been steadfast in its pursuit of innovative approaches to creating authentic tourism experiences which celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.

2014 02 27                                2:15 p.m.