Minister congratulates Attraction Canada awards finalists

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today Newfoundland and Labrador has strong representation heading into the finals of the 2002 Attractions Canada awards.

"I am extremely proud of our provincial winners which represent some of Newfoundland and Labrador�s best tourism and heritage attractions," said Minister Bettney. "With 21 sites entering the competition, it was the most interest we have ever seen provincially. Six of this province�s sites have been selected as finalists and are competing against some of the best across Canada. The Attractions Canada awards program is a wonderful opportunity to highlight this country�s premier tourism and heritage sites and promote them nationally and internationally."

In total, there are 113 attractions across Canada vying for 14 national awards. The Newfoundland and Labrador finalists and the categories in which they are nominated are as follows:

• The East Coast Trail - Natural Outdoor Site (Area less than 100 km²)
  
  
• Colony of Avalon - Developed Outdoor Site (Operating budget less than $1 million)
  
  
• Newfoundland Insectarium - Indoor Site (Operating budget less than $400,000)
  
  
• The Fluvarium - Indoor Site (Operating budget greater than $400,000)
  
  
• St. John�s International Women�s Film and Video Festival - Cultural Event (Operating budget less than $350,000)
  
  
• Royal St. John�s Regatta - Sporting Event (Operating budget greater than $110,000)
  
  
• Colony of Avalon - Attraction of National or International Interest
  
  
• East Coast Trail - New Attraction

A national jury, made up of five individuals representing tourism, media and business circles, will analyze the submissions from all the provinces and territories. The 14 national winners will be announced at the Attractions Canada Gala on May 30, 2002, in Edmonton.

"Being nominated at this level is a great accomplishment," said Minister Bettney. "These awards recognize the hard work and top quality marketing that goes into promoting our attractions. I wish all our finalists all the best in attaining one of the coveted national awards."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

East Coast Trail - Stretching along 400 km of the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula, the East Coast Trail winds along the coastline on the edge of North America, past towering cliffs, massive headlands, sea stacks, fiords and a natural geyser called the Spout. The trail runs from Conception Bay South to Cape St. Francis and then along the coast through St. John�s and down to the Southern Shore.

Colony of Avalon - Located in Ferryland on the Southern Shore, the site is an archaeological dig of Lord Baltimore�s 17^th century settlement founded in 1621. It has a large interpretation centre, an old English herb garden, a dinner theatre, a gift shop, a reconstructed kitchen with an open hearth fireplace and the archaeological dig itself.

Newfoundland Insectarium - This museum, located in Reidville on the Viking Trail just outside Deer Lake, is dedicated to showing insects from all over the world. It is a celebration of the most beautiful, fascinating and least understood group of animals on earth.

The Fluvarium - Located in Pippy Park, St. John�s, this is North America�s only public fluvarium open year round. It offers a unique freshwater interpretation centre with underwater windows which provide a fascinating view of river life.

St. John�s Women�s International Film and Video Festival - Celebrating its 13^th year in 2002, this event is held every October. The festival is an important regional showcase for independent film and video production and provides a forum for exceptional female filmmakers from this province and around the world to discuss and show their work.

Royal St. John�s Regatta - This annual event is held on the first Wednesday in August. It is the oldest sporting event in North America combining a day-long series of races using unique six-seat fixed rowing shells with the province�s largest garden party.

2002 04 19                       11:15 a.m.