Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 31, 2016

Celebrating Tourism Partnerships

Province and Industry Celebrate Tourism Awareness Week

May 29 through June 4 marks Tourism Week across Canada, an opportunity to celebrate the social and economic value of the country's tourism sector. The Provincial Government is pleased to work with the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism industry to further grow the industry.

"Tourism Awareness Week is an annual event that highlights the tremendous value of the tourism industry and celebrates the thousands of businesses, communities and individuals that come together to make Newfoundland and Labrador a competitive tourism destination. Our tourism industry generates a billion dollars in visitor spending each year and is an important part of our government's plan to diversify and grow the economy throughout the province."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

There are approximately 2,500 businesses in the province's tourism sector, of which 82 per cent are small businesses, creating an estimated 18,000 jobs. The awareness of, and interest in, Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination is at an all-time high, and the province's tourism advertising campaigns continue to capture the imagination and attract new visitors. Budget 2016 includes $13 million for tourism marketing.

"Through the hard work and collaboration of industry operators and stakeholders across the province, the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador has produced incredible gains for both the economy and way of life for residents. Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased to celebrate those accomplishments this week and applaud those who continue to invest in their businesses and partner together to ensure our industry reaches its true potential."
- Dion Finlay, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

Since 2012, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed more than two million non-resident visitors. During that time, residents made nearly 15 million trips throughout the province. Employment in the tourism industry represents approximately eight per cent of total jobs in the provincial economy, making the industry a significant part of building and sustaining the province's regional economy.

QUICK FACTS

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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 		Leslie Rossiter, Manager of Policy and Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2000 ext. 222
lrossiter@hnl.ca

2016 05 31                              9:45 a.m.