Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
May 1, 2017

Experiences, Culture, and People Energize Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan

Today, the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, released the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan, which is a road map for maximizing tourism growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan can be found online at www.tcii.gov.nl.ca/tourism/tourism_development/.

The Development Plan provides an outline for creating a strong business environment for private tourism investment. This plan also focuses on utilizing public resources in product development areas to provide the greatest return on investment through increased visitation and spending.

Through engagement with key stakeholders, such as Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board, the Development Plan will guide and support high-quality, visitor-focused, provincial brand experiences.

As one of the more than 50 initiatives outlined in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will contribute directly to the Provincial Government�s commitment to double resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020.

Quotes
�Our government is proud to launch the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan. By collaborating with private, government, and non-profit tourism partners, this plan will increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador �brand� tourism experiences to attract more visitors, encourage them to stay longer and experience more; all with the goal of increasing visitor spending to $1.6 billion annually by 2020.�
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

�Product development is a strategic direction outlined in our industry�s vision and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador has worked closely with partners on the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board to help drive this priority forward. The 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan is a blueprint for the future growth and development of the tourism industry and will help guide tourism operators as they build successful businesses that showcase everything our province has to offer. Hospitality NL is pleased that government has delivered on the 2017-20 Product Development Plan, as outlined in their vision of The Way Forward for the province.�
Dion Finlay
Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

"Since the launch of Vision 2020, tourism stakeholders in Newfoundland and Labrador have been working together at unprecedented levels of collaboration, ensuring the alignment of priorities and work plans in order to grow the tourism industry and achieve the goals of our vision. The 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will allow us to continue delivering on our brand promise by providing guests with authentic and culturally-rich experiences and will help to drive strategic investment in tourism, a significant economic generator in the province."
Darlene Thomas
Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board

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Learn more
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador - www.hnl.ca external link
Cod Sounds - www.codsounds.ca external link
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation - www.gov.nl.ca/TCII
Newfoundland Labrador Tourism - www.NewfoundlandLabrador.com external link
The Way Forward - www.TheWayForward.gov.nl.ca

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL external link @TCII_GovNL  external link and @NLtweets external link

Media contacts:
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Melissa Ennis
Manager, Policy & Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2000 ext.231
mennis@hnl.ca

2017 05 01                              11:10 a.m.