March 22, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Ministers says budget sets stage for continued growth

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says government recognizes the great positive economic impact the tourism industry has on the province and that this year's budget will enable the department to continue to grow the industry.

"In 1998, 372,200 non-residents visited Newfoundland and Labrador spending $207.4 million in the economy," said Furey. "This represents a 23 per cent increase in visitation since 1996. With the continued emphasis on this sector and an advertising and promotion budget of $3.6 million, up from $1.8 million in 1998, I believe we will continue to see a steady increase in non-resident visitation and expenditures. The budget also demonstrates the province's continued support of the cultural and recreation sectors which are integral parts of the lifestyle of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and part of the tourism experience the province is promoting."

Additional funding has been allocated in the departmental budget including core funding of $1.4 million for the special events and festivals planned for Soiree '99, which is in addition to the $1.5 million for marketing Soiree '99 from the federal/provincial Community Economic Development Agreement (CEDA). An allocation of $2.6 million has been identified for event planning and coordinating the Vikings 1000 celebrations. "This new funding will enable government to implement the Soiree '99 event plan, begin the roll out of the Vikings 1000 celebrations and undertake a much more aggressive marketing campaign in which to promote tourism, one of the province's key economic engines."

Newfoundland and Labrador is proud of its rich cultural heritage as evidenced through our many talented writers, artists and musicians.

"Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take their living from cultural industries which are widely celebrated throughout the province as well as being an important component of our tourism marketing strategy," said Furey. "Government will pursue a new agreement on cultural industries with the federal government to promote this sector."

"Government's commitment to providing adequate space to display, store, and interpret the province's culture, archival collections and contemporary art collections is advancing. In January, Premier Tobin established an advisory committee to provide input on a new home for the art gallery, archives and museum," said Furey. Engineering and architectural work is set to begin this year. Government is also committed to maintaining its annual art procurement program which has an annual budget of $200,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador has a wealth of heritage sites throughout the province. "To ensure these sites remain an important part of the province's history, government has established a $600,000 capital program for the refurbishment of these structures," said Furey. "The priority will be the refurbishment of the Bonavista Lighthouse."

Government has and will continue to invest in the physical well-being of the people of the province through its commitment to the funding of recreational facilities and activities. "In recent years the province has developed fabulous sporting venues in which to host local, national and international sporting events. One only has to reflect on the superb facilities in which the recent Canada Winter Games were held," said Furey. "To continue to build on the reputation that the west coast has earned, government has committed $150,000 for the World Cup Triathlon to be held in Corner Brook later this year and $150,000 for another triathlon in 2000, a second installment of $75,000 (for a total of $150,000) for the Commonwealth Judo Championships to be held in Stephenville in 2000, and funds to support the 2000 Labrador Winter Games."

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1999 03 22