September 3, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

International travel media visit the province

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased that two groups of media from Germany have chosen Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination for travel pieces this summer.

Hessischer Rundfunk, of the National Television Network Germany, recently sent the husband and wife team of Garrett and Ruth Smyth to the province, to film for a German television tourism program. They visited Cape St. Mary's, the Irish Loop, St. John's, Gros Morne National Park and L'Anse aux Meadows. The finished product will feature some of the great tourism components on the Island. The show will air in Germany in January and again in April 2000, with millions of potential viewers.

MARE Magazine, based in Germany, is a high profile magazine directed specifically towards travellers of the seven seas. Ole Helmhausen spent time in Red Bay, Labrador working on a story which will focus on the Basque history in Labrador. The story will describe the historical significance of the Basque settlement there, and will also look at the modern day significance of this site.

"I am thrilled that these European travel writers have recognized our province as a world-class tourism destination. Europe is obviously a huge market, and I am very enthusiastic about the potential to draw these vacationers to Newfoundland and Labrador," says Furey. "The Vikings! 1000 Years celebrations planned for next year, pays tribute to the arrival of the first Europeans in North America, and that makes the province a natural vacation choice for Europeans next year. Both of these media opportunities will complement the promotion of our tourism industry in this market."

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

1999 09 03 4:10 p.m.