Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 12, 2009
10,000 Years in the Making: St. Anthony Hosts Iceberg Festival
Starting today (June 12), and running through to June 21, the Town of
St. Anthony will be home to the province�s first annual Iceberg
Festival.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, today announced $15,000 has been invested in the inaugural
10-day event. It�s part of a $57,000 investment in season extension
initiatives on the Viking Trail, which also includes:
- $17,000 for the Feather and Folk Nature Festival,
held May 22-31 in Codroy Valley;
- $12,000 for the Trails, Tails and Tunes Festival,
held May 15-24, in Norris Point;
- $8,000 for the Western Destination Marketing
Organization to support the promotion of Western Newfoundland and
Southern Labrador as a multi-season tourism destination; and,
- $5,000 for the Spring in Your Step Festival, held
June 5-7, in Humber Valley and Corner Brook.
�The Provincial Government is committed to building,
expanding and extending the province�s tourism season,� said Minister
Jackman. �By supporting new, innovative experiences and events held in
the spring, we are encouraging visitors and residents alike to travel
to, and around, the province a little earlier in the season, ultimately
increasing economic opportunities for tourism operators and other
businesses which benefit from visitor activity.�
The Iceberg Festival will feature musical performances, cultural
exhibits, nature walks and hikes, boats tours, opportunities to talk
with iceberg experts, and more. For more information about the Iceberg
Festival, visit:
theicebergfestival.ca/home/
�The development of an Iceberg Festival, which celebrates and promotes
one of this province�s most unique, natural tourism attractions, is a
credit to organizers and an example of how co-operation among local
tourism operators can result in an event which benefits the region as a
whole,� said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, MHA for the Straits-White Bay
North. �I have no doubt this festival will grow in popularity and be an
economic generator for the region for many years to come.�
Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation provides $150,000 to
initiate and continue pilot projects aimed at extending the tourism
season in the western region and along the Discovery Trail in the
eastern region. The funding supports industry efforts to develop tourism
products and packages that appeal to visitors beyond the traditional
peak tourism season.
Uncommon Potential � A Tourism Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador,
developed in partnership with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
commits to developing and growing the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism
industry with a view to doubling revenue generated to $1.6 billion by
2020.
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Media contacts:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
|
Lynette Carroll
Executive Assistant to Hon. Trevor Taylor, MHA, The
Straits-White Bay North
709-729-5884
lynettecarroll@gov.nl.ca |
2009 06 12
11:10 a.m.
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