NLIS 14 March 30, 2004 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Strategic Investments to Grow the Economy Government has an unwavering commitment to creating an environment that promotes and encourages economic growth, enhances the prospects for new job creation and expands the province�s revenue base. In keeping with this commitment, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation has made strategic investments in Budget 2004 to grow the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador through increasing the tourism marketing budget and investing in creative and cultural enterprises. Growing the tourism industry Government recognizes that the tourism industry is an area of increased growth potential across the country. In order to enhance the province�s tourism potential and allow it to gain ground on our marketing competitors in Atlantic Canada, the department has increased its tourism marketing budget by $1 million in Budget 2004, bringing the total budget to $7 million. "We believe that a strategic investment in tourism marketing will result in increased visitation, resulting in increased revenue for tourism operators and employment for residents of the communities in which they do business," said Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "Additional financial resources will be directed at strengthening the current marketing program in consultation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Marketing Council and key industry stakeholders." Investing in creative and cultural enterprise "Our government is committed to the recognition and promotion of culture and heritage in the province. We have demonstrated support through strategic investments in the Cultural Economic Development Program and other key supporters of the arts and heritage community," said Minister Shelley. "Creative artists and cultural industries contribute immensely to the quality of life for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. They celebrate our history, our lives and our accomplishments. They are very important to our economy and to keeping our skilled and creative talent working in this province. We are also committed to capitalizing on our distinctive cultural heritage by investing in historic sites and heritage properties and expanding related tourism attractions." Cultural Economic Development Program Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and
Labrador In addition, the Heritage Foundation will, through the Government of Canada, administer a new federally-funded program which aims to preserve our architectural heritage. The foundation will receive annually federal funding of $527,000 to administer the program. Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development
Corporation 2004 French Heritage Celebrations Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Grants to arts, culture and heritage
organizations Supporting our music industry In recognition of its commitment to the success and growth of the music industry, government will provide $200,000 in Budget 2004 to the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MIANL) to support the continued development of the music industry in the province. "Government is committed to the continued support of the music industry and believes that this increasing interest will allow us to capitalize on growth potential opportunities. This investment will significantly increase the MIANL�s current budget and allow it to continue to grow and develop the music industry, resulting in increased economic benefit in all regions of the province." According to the MIANL�s strategic plan, the economic impact of the music industry in the province is estimated at over $25 million. Through the MIANL, this investment will allow local artists to reach audiences and markets outside of Newfoundland and Labrador through increased marketing efforts to local, national and international markets. Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications (709) 729-0928 2004 03 30 3:00 p.m. |
||
|