Minister congratulates Attractions Canada award winners

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today offered congratulations to the provincial winners of the 2001 Attractions Canada awards.

"The Attractions Canada Award program is a wonderful endeavour which highlights the country�s premier tourism and heritage attractions," said Minister Aylward. "It is a great opportunity to build Newfoundland and Labrador�s tourism profile, as well as benchmark our products and attractions against the best in Canada."

In total, there were 98 winning attractions throughout the country. The Newfoundland and Labrador recipients and the categories in which they won are as follows:

• Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve - Natural Outdoor Site (Area less than 100 km²)
• Colony of Avalon Archaeological Site - Developed Outdoor Site (Operating budget less than $1 million)
• Newfoundland Insectarium - Indoor Site (Operating budget less than $400,000)
• Annual Brigus Blueberry Festival - Cultural Event (Operating budget less than $350,000)
• Viking Trail Tourism Association-Vikings! 1000 Years - Cultural Event (Operating budget more than $350,000)
• TRI-FEST (Corner Brook Triathlon/ITU Triathlon World Cup) - Sporting Event (Operating budget more than $110,000)
• Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve - Attractions of National or International Interest
• Norstead: A Real Life Saga - New Attractions

A national jury made up of five individuals representing tourism, media and business circles have chosen seven national winners from the 98 provincial and territorial award recipients. The winners will be announced tomorrow evening at the Attractions Canada Gala in Halifax.

"Winning at the provincial level is an accomplishment in itself," said Minister Aylward. "I would like to congratulate the seven winners from Newfoundland and Labrador on earning these prestigious awards, and wish each of you best of luck in attaining one of the coveted national awards."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2001 05 23                                        11:00 a.m.