Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 29, 2015

Encouraging Growth in Regional Tourism Sectors

Provincial Government Supports Port Blandford Tourism Initiatives

The Town of Port Blandford displayed new efforts to grow the local tourism sector on Saturday, June 27, as officials unveiled a series of cultural story boards placed throughout the town. The story boards tell the heritage and history of the area and are part of a $48,000 tourism development plan. The Provincial Government is supporting the initiatives with an investment of approximately $21,800.

�The installation of these story boards is a significant step toward increasing the tourism assets in the Town of Port Blandford. Tourism, culture and heritage are fundamental parts of the Provincial Government�s continued focus on promoting economic growth and diversification. With increased tourism initiatives, such as those undertaken in Port Blandford, we can help ensure continued growth in the regional tourism sector.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The town�s efforts also include increased signage, promotional materials and an enhanced website. The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Terra Nova, attended the unveiling.

�Here we are, in the middle of the region that has it all, on the doorstep of a renowned national park, near golfing greens, salmon rivers, and trails and winter activities. There is significant potential for growth in the local tourism market here in Port Blandford, and I am pleased the Provincial Government is investing in the realization of this potential.�
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Terra Nova

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has invested more than $200 million in economic and business development initiatives since 2005. Through the Regional Development Fund, the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development provides support to organizations by way of non-repayable contributions for projects aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province. Additional information on programs can be found at: www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/.

QUICK FACTS:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is supporting the Town of Port Blandford�s tourism sector development with an investment of approximately $21,800.
• The story boards tell the heritage and history of the area, and are part of an overall $48,000 tourism development plan.
• The town�s efforts also include increased signage, promotional materials and an enhanced website.
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has invested more than $200 million in economic and business development initiatives since 2005.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Ang Chatman Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Sandy Collins MHA for Terra Nova 709-467-1018 angchatman@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 29                              1:40 p.m.