The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation:
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to recognize Tourism Awareness Week May 27 to June 2 as it provides us all an opportunity to highlight the tremendous value of tourism to the provincial economy.
Tourism has grown to support over 2,600 businesses and nearly 20,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2017, the province welcomed over 553,000 visitors, and associated non-resident visitor spending reached an estimated $575 million.
Mr. Speaker, this is the highest level of non-resident visitation and tourism spending in the history of the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its scenic coastlines, culture and welcoming hospitality. Our travellers are seeking authentic travel experiences and the Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan, released in 2017, is setting the direction for new and enhanced tourism offerings to attract more visitors – to encourage them to stay longer and increase spending.
Growing the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is an enormous collective effort. Guided by The Way Forward, together with the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, we are working towards the goal set in Uncommon Potential: Vision 2020, to double resident and visitor spending by 2020.
I invite all members to join me in celebrating this success and the dedication and commitment I see from those working in our tourism industry. Thank you.