The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will be in Norris Point, Gros Morne National Park, this evening (Friday, May 16) to take part in the opening ceremonies of the second annual Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival, which runs until May 25. The event begins at 8 p.m.

"The Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival is the perfect way to kick off the traditional spring and summer tourism season in the Gros Morne region," Minister Jackman said. "It is my hope that the festival continues to develop, and that it will become an anchor event on which to further build our tourism industry on the west coast."

The festival, which was the vision of local singer/songwriter Shirley Montague, includes indoor and outdoor events designed to appeal to all ages. Musicians and storytellers from around the province will be on hand throughout the 10-day festival.

A full schedule of events can be found at www.trailstalestunes.ca/schedule.html.

"This festival provides an opportunity to showcase the talent and natural beauty in our province as well as all the amenities our town has to offer," Ms. Montague said. "It is time for us all to think about growing our tourist season, and the festival is an excellent way to entice visitors." 

Minister Jackman said the Provincial Government is working with members of the tourism industry to extend Newfoundland and Labrador�s traditional tourism season.

"Budget 2008 provides $150,000 to build on our previous commitment to explore and implement season extension initiatives," Minister Jackman said. "This year, we will be working with the western region�s destination marketing organization, Trails to the Vikings, to bring that vision to the west coast."

Since 2003-04, Newfoundland and Labrador�s tourism industry has grown, on average, by about three per cent annually, or 15 per cent overall. Budget 2008 invests $5.2 million in new funding for tourism marketing, research, and support to the industry.

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Media contact:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2008 05 16                                                     9:30 a.m.