April 26, 1996
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation to hold news briefing, April 29 -
Subject: Promotion of Cabot Celebrations at the International Festival of the Sea

On Monday, April 29, Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will be hosting a media briefing regarding the province's promotion of the Cabot Celebrations at The International Festival of the Sea in Bristol, England from May 24 to May 27, 1996. The International Festival of the Sea is a spectacular celebration of all things maritime and the largest maritime event ever staged in Britain. The dedication of the modern-day replica of Cabot's Matthew is the highlight of the festival. The Bristol '96 Committee anticipates that approximately one million visitors will come to see the festival's pavilions and ships from France, Sweden, Finland,Italy, Canada, Britain, Holland, and others.

The province has targeted The International Festival of the Sea as the major marketing venue in 1996 for the Cabot Celebrations. A Newfoundland and Labrador pavilion will promote the province and the Cabot Celebrations and invite visitors to - "come to Newfoundland and Labrador in 1997 and help us celebrate the 500th anniversary of John Cabot's landfall in the New World". During the dedication of the Matthew ceremony, Premier Brian Tobin will extend an official invitation to all present to come to Newfoundland and Labrador in 1997.

The Cabot Celebrations has partnered its efforts with 20 associations/businesses in the tourism industry. These participants, all of which will incur the associated expenses, will have the opportunity to promote their individual products within the Newfoundland and Labrador pavilion.

     Date:           Monday, April 29
     Time:          12:00 noon     
     Location:     Executive Boardroom, Ground Floor, West Block,    
                       Confederation Building   
     
Contact: Laura Cochrane, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-0928.