The Provincial Government continues its commitment to supporting small businesses, as today the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced over $154,000 for two tourism initiatives on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Dark Tickle Expeditions, located in St. Lunaire-Griquet, is using a $137,107 term loan under the Business Investment Fund, to support their efforts in developing a new and innovative visitor experience in the tourism industry. This investment includes support for the acquisition of a new motorized tour vessel as well as an interpretation program to allow visitors an opportunity to learn more about the region’s unique culture and heritage. Through technology, visitors will view historical building footprints and remnants of early European fishing and hunting structures; as well as natural features such as icebergs, headlands, flora and fauna, and historical elements of the underwater realm.
To assist with implementing a marketing plan for the Light Keepers Café/Great Viking Feast, Light Keepers Café Limited will receive $17,500 from the Business Development Support Program. The success of this business is the appeal of its location and history, and a new marketing plan will help further promote the company and the community and increase the length of the operating season. The Light Keeper’s Café offers two unique dining experiences including the dinner theatre at Leif’s Burdir – the Great Viking Feast. This is the only sod covered restaurant in North America which replicates a 1,000 year old Viking residence. Light Keepers Café Limited is a significant employer in the region, with 17 seasonal employees.
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 to $1.6 billion by 2020.
Quotes
“Sustainable regions are a key priority for the
Provincial Government, and today’s investments into tourism initiatives on the
Great Northern Peninsula will give visitors another reason to explore and
discover. Visitors who don’t mind travelling off the beaten path to search for
adventurous experiences are in for a treat when they arrive to the region and
experience the top notch services. That is why we are pleased to support
initiatives which will help to strengthen and ensure the long-term
sustainability in all areas of the province.”
Honourable Christopher
Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Unique projects such as this take a lot of time, money, and effort to
develop. Provincial programs like the Business Investment Fund enable
entrepreneurs to develop new ideas and products, subsequently enhancing the
region as a whole.”
Kier Knudsen
The Dark Tickle Company
“The support of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, through the
marketing program is helping us promote and grow our business through new and
innovative marketing initiatives. We have excellent partnership with the
Provincial Government and look forward to continued support for our tourism
industry.”
Shirley Woodward/Chris Moss
Light Keepers Café Limited/Great
Viking Feast
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Learn More
Business Investment Fund – www.tcii.gov.nl.ca/programs/bif.html
Dark Tickle Expeditions – www.darktickle.com
Light Keepers Café Limited – www.lightkeepersvikingfeast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry
and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Kier
Knudsen
The Dark Tickle Company
709-623-2354
kknudsen@darktickle.com
Shirley
Woodward/Chris Moss
Light Keepers Café Limited/Great Viking
Feast
709-470-0137
cmoss_1@hotmail.com