I proudly rise in this House today to report that 2010 is shaping up to be the best tourism year ever in Newfoundland and Labrador, with statistics to the end of October indicating a 7.2 per cent increase in non-resident visitation over the same period last year. We are projected to see over half a million visitors by the end of 2010 � the first time we will have surpassed that figure in our province's history.

Our $850 million tourism industry continues to grow, and this year's success can be attributed, in part, to our efforts to highlight our natural and cultural assets during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games; the 2010 Juno Awards, hosted in St. John's; and the Cupids400 celebrations. But it is also a testament to our continuing focus on strategically marketing this province as a global destination of choice.

Our Find Yourself Here tourism marketing campaign, first launched in 2006, continues to evolve and to receive national and international accolades. With more than 30 awards received this year alone, the campaign has now garnered no less than 100 regional, national and international awards.

The world is taking notice. Last month, National Geographic Traveler Magazine named the Avalon Peninsula at the top of 99 coastal tourism destinations in the world � a designation that provided incredible international media exposure.

None of this is by accident. Our government has more than doubled the tourism marketing budget in the past seven years from $6 million to $13 million. In 2009, we took it to the next step when we entered into a unique public-private partnership with the tourism industry; launched Uncommon Potential � A Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; established a Tourism Board, and began the process of implementing the vision with a view to seeing tourism revenues reach $1.6 billion by 2020.

This has been a remarkable year. In fact, it's been a remarkable seven years, with visitor traffic increasing by 22 per cent since 2003. Next year also looks good, with the cruise industry in particular expected to see substantial returns.

I am sure my colleagues in this House share my excitement at the realization of this milestone in our industry � this record tourism year � and look forward to what the future holds.