December 9, 1996
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Ministerr of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Launch of Cultural Tourism Award

Today, I am pleased to advise the Honourable Members of a new government-industry initiative in the promotion and enhancement of cultural tourism in this province.

Key strategic studies into this province's tourism potential have consistently identified cultural tourism as a leading advantage for Newfoundland and Labrador. Research indicates that cultural tourism motivates tourists to spend more and to increase their length of stay.

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with NewTel Communications, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, and the federal Department of Canadian Heritage, is pleased to announce the launch of the first Cultural Tourism Award for Newfoundland and Labrador. I congratulate our partners in this initiative for recognizing the inherent value of Newfoundland and Labrador's cultural tourism.

More than 2,000 application forms are currently being mailed to tourism industry partners and related cultural and heritage interest groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This award will promote cultural expression both within our tourism industry and for the economic benefit of our tourism industry. The Cultural Tourism Award will recognize and reward progressive efforts which realize enriched cultural tourism experiences.

The first Cultural Tourism Award will be presented at the upcoming Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Convention in February of 1997. I encourage all residents and tourism industry partners within Newfoundland and Labrador to take an active role in this program by nominating an individual or group for this Cultural Tourism Award.