Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 12, 2010The following statement was
given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French,
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:
Economic Impact of JUNOs Felt in Hotel
Industry
I rise today to advise this Honourable House that we
have received some terrific news with respect to the economic impact of
the JUNO Awards held in St. John's last month — news which adds to our
expectation that 2010 will be a very good year for tourism in this
province.
Although a full economic impact assessment of the
JUNOs is ongoing, statistics from the major hotels in the capital city
indicate room nights sold were up 18 per cent over last April and
revenue was up by 26 per cent to almost $5 million.
The Provincial Government invested more than $1
million into the JUNOs and we anticipate a short-term return on
investment of about $10 million in economic activity generated. The
national and international exposure we received, including the
opportunity to showcase 260 local artists, will also bring long-term
benefits to the province — particularly in terms of highlighting
Newfoundland and Labrador's vibrant cultural scene.
But the good news for the tourism industry is not
limited to St. John's. To the end of March 2010, non-resident visitation
throughout this province is up almost eight per cent over the same
period last year — which, by the way, was also a very good year.
This is very encouraging especially since the impact
of the JUNOs is not yet reflected in that number. In addition, as you
know, we are also celebrating a major milestone this year — the 400th
anniversary of Cupids, the first English colony established in Canada.
Those celebrations culminate in a week of activities being held from
August 17-22, and we anticipate many visitors from Canada and around the
world will be here to help us mark that occasion.
In 2009, in partnership with the tourism industry, we
launched Uncommon Potential — a Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador
Tourism. We are already seeing the positive effects of action we
have taken through this strategy and I have no doubt there will be more.
I am very excited about the 2010 tourism season, the
growth we have experienced over the past several years, and the
potential for future growth, and I invite my colleagues to encourage
their friends and families outside the province to come visit us this
year and experience all we have to offer.
2010 05 12
2:25 p.m.