May 12, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Major U.S. tour company to begin bus tours on Northern Peninsula

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today that Saga Holidays, one of the top five bus tours companies in the United States, will be offering a new eight night Road Scholar vacation package for the Viking Trail on the Northern Peninsula beginning in 2000.

"This is the first time ever that Saga Holidays, a well-respected international company, has offered a vacation package for the Viking Trail, and I believe it's the beginning of a great business relationship for the company and local tourism operators," said Furey. "Six tours of 40 people have been planned for 2000. This represents approximately

$1/4 million in new expenditures for businesses in the area. The Road Scholar program will be launched in September 1999 with the distribution of 300,000 brochures highlighting the fabulous sights and sounds of the Viking Trail."

Road Scholar is Saga Holiday's educational tour product for Americans 50 years of age and older. Newfoundland and Labrador was chosen along with destinations such as Chile, Iceland and locations in Asia to be a part of the company's new Road Scholar program. Saga Holiday's promotes each destination as a learning vacation balanced with fun. Travelers with the Road Scholar program are immersed in the subject matter through related excursions, hands-on demonstrations, and/or meetings with local people and experts.

Minister Furey noted that this is an excellent opportunity for promotion of the Northern Peninsula and the Vikings! 1000 Years, and that the Viking Trail Tourism Association and Parks Canada were instrumental in attracting the company to the Northern Peninsula.

"I believe Saga Holiday's decision to offer a vacation package to the Viking Trail will result in other major tour operators offering similar tours to the Northern Peninsula," said Randy Letto, Marketing Director, Viking Trail Tourism Association. "New attractions such as the Discovery Centre being built in Woody Point are the key to continuing to attract such tours. Hoteliers and other business operators on the Viking Trail realize the area's potential, and are capitalizing on the investments being made by the federal and provincial governments and turning it into profits."

Parks Canada will be the educational partner for the program to ensure a memorable experience for all travelers. The tour to the Viking Trail will involve a series of lectures followed by related excursions. In addition to excursions related to the theme of the tour and any given lecture, there are other optional excursions to places and events of interest. "I believe this is a win-win relationship for Parks Canada," said Furey. "Essentially, Parks Canada will provide lecturers and access to its facilities for these lectures whenever possible. In return, Parks Canada will be highlighted in the Road Scholar promotional and informational materials providing an excellent marketing opportunity."

Saga International Holidays is the American branch of the British tour operator, Saga Holidays, the leading group tour operator in Britain working with the 50 plus market. They are generally well traveled, well educated and well read B with a wealth of personal and professional experience. Travelers on the tour are scheduled to overnight in Rocky Harbour, Port au Choix, L'anse au Clair, St. Anthony, Cow Head, and Deer Lake.

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

1999 05 12 4:40 p.m.