Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 3, 2016
Province Supports Season Extension Initiatives
Season Extension Program Supports Three Festivals and Events in the Province
The Provincial Government is committed to the continued expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism season through exciting season extension festivals and events. Budget 2016 includes $144,000 to support events through the province's Season Extension Program. Three events are being announced today, with more to be announced later in the fall and winter.
"The awareness of, and interest in Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination, is at an all-time high and we want to keep this momentum going. The purpose of the Season Extension Program is to support the development of multi-season tourism products. By pursuing festivals and events for the shoulder and winter seasons, we are facilitating the development of tourism experiences, services and attractions that are not season dependent. This funding helps tourism operators, services and attractions stay open beyond the province's peak tourism season, ultimately improving our tourism product, our brand and increasing tourism spending. It is a win-win all around."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
In 2016-17, the Provincial Government is supporting the following spring season extension festivals and events:
- Songs, Stages and Seafood (Baccalieu Trail) - $15,000
- Trails, Tales and Tunes (Western Region) - $12,500
- Iceberg Festival (Western Region) - $12,500
"Investment in season extension initiatives is an essential component to the growth and further development of the tourism industry with festivals and events offering incredible opportunities to attract travellers who wish to truly experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through this avenue of product enhancement and development, increased opportunities to showcase our provincial culture and tourism products can be realized resulting in economic spin-offs felt across all regions."
- Dion Finlay, Chair, Hospitality NL
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. 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 province's award-winning tourism advertising campaigns continue to capture the imagination and attract new visitors. Budget 2016 also includes $13 million for tourism marketing.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is committed to the continued expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism season.
- Budget 2016 includes $144,000 for the province's Season Extension Program.
- Funding for season extension experiences helps tourism operators, services and attractions stay open beyond the province's peak tourism season.
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Media contact:
| Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
2016 06 03 10:30 a.m.