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March 26, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Budget supports planning for major tourism events

With the notable success of the 1997 Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations, the department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation will undertake strategic product development and marketing for pending major tourism initiatives such as Soiree 99, and the Viking Millennium.

"The 1998-99 Budget recognizes the importance of sound preparations for these major tourism opportunities," says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

The 1998-99 provincial budget allocates $1.5 million to continue preparations for Soiree 99, which celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador's 50th annniversary of Confederation, and the Viking Millennium in the year 2000.

"We have been consulting with many stakeholders in developing our plans for Soiree 99, including the federal government, and we are confident they will be partners in the exercise," Kelly says. "The final program profile for Soiree 99 will be released in the near future."

"Planning for the Viking Millennium is also well under way, in conjunction with our partners, the Viking Trail Tourism Association, and Parks Canada," the minister said. "The funding will enable that planning process to continue."

The minister noted that this new funding allocation for Soiree 99 and Millennium planning is in addition to the $1.8 million core departmental advertising and marketing budget, and a further $1.1 million for tourism marketing initiatives under the Federal-Provincial Economic Renewal Agreement (ERA).

"In total, thanks to departmental and ERA funding, 1998-99 will see approximately $4.4 million allocated for marketing initiatives and further preparations for Soiree 99 and the Viking Millennium," Kelly said.

Kelly noted that other departmental highlights from the 1998-99 budget include enhanced funding for the provincial Art Procurement Program.

"Government's Art Procurement Program had been set at $100,000 annually for quite some time, and we were pleased last year to be able to double that commitment to $200,000," the minister said. "I am pleased that the 1998-99 budget calls for the continuation of a $200,000 commitment for Newfoundland and Labrador art procurement for this year."

The minister added that in addition to the $1.1 million for marketing-related initiatives noted above, the ongoing Economic Renewal Agreement will see a further $2.6 million allocated to continue with existing programs for cultural industries and tourism infrastructure.

Kelly noted that her department's 1998-99 budget will also see $445,000 allocated to infrastructure improvements for the Arts and Culture Centre Pool in Corner Brook, and also at the Stephenville Recreation Centre, both in preparation for the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

"In regard to other departmental initiatives, this past week, I was pleased to announce a grant of $88,000 for the Wheelchair Sports Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure their full participation in the 1999 Canada Winter Games," Kelly said. "This grant will also help address many of the association's aspirations, including athletic wheelchair purchases and awareness programs."

"As well, a contribution of $600,000 was provided for the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is government's arm in ensuring that as much of our built heritage as possible is preserved," Kelly said, adding that such architectural heritage is a cornerstone of our cultural tourism product, and is part of the allure of our overall tourism experience.

In addition, Kelly noted her department recently provided a contribution of $100,000 to the Publishers Assistance Program, and $150,000 to the World Triathlon, a preeminent international sporting event which will take place in Corner Brook later this summer.

Contact: Doug Burgess, Communications Director, (709) 729-0928.

1998 03 26 5:53 p.m.


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