Tourism Continues to be Recognized for Contributions to Province’s Economy

Minister Congratulates Tourism Industry Members on Prestigious Awards

Barb Genge, President of Tuckamore Lodge Ltd., was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2013 Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) annual awards held earlier this month in Ottawa. The Fogo Island Inn was also honoured with the National Cultural Tourism Award.

“To be recognized by the Canadian Tourism Industry Association is a tremendous honour, and I congratulate Ms. Genge and the Fogo Island Inn for receiving these awards. They are certainly wonderful tourism ambassadors for Newfoundland and Labrador. Visitors from all over the globe travel to our province and appreciate Newfoundland and Labrador as a place where they can engage in amazing adventures in a breathtaking environment, and these awards certainly highlight the great work that is taking place in an industry that is meeting these expectations on a daily basis.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Barb Genge is president of Tuckamore Lodge Ltd., an award-winning hunting, fishing and adventure tourism business in Main Brook. Over the years, Ms. Genge has become a leader in the province’s tourism industry. She began her career promoting tourism and sustainable development as one of the founders of the Northern Travels Tourism Association, the predecessor of the Viking Trail Tourism Association (VTTA). As a successful business owner, community leader and supporter of sustainable development, Ms. Genge has held many important positions including several terms as president of the Viking Trail Tourism Association and continues to mentor others in the tourism industry on the Northern Peninsula.

Offering 29 guest suites, the award-winning Fogo Island Inn is renowned for its breathtaking views and its promotion of the province’s local culture. The inn has been touted as being home to a cultural movement that brings together contemporary artists, designers, architects, geologists, academics, fishermen, artisans, growers and chefs. The inn’s public spaces - library, art gallery, restaurant, lounge, lobby and cinema - were designed to be meaningful places for guests to gather.

For more information about this year’s award winners and the 2013 TIAC Awards, visit: //tiac.travel/cgi/page.cgi/awards.htm 

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Barb Genge was inducted into the Hall of Fame and the Fogo Island Inn won the National Cultural Tourism Award at the 2013 Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Annual Awards Gala.
• The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $84.8 billion tourism industry.
• In 2007 and 2011, Newfoundland and Labrador’s marketing campaign, Find Yourself, received TIAC’s Marketing Campaign of the Year Award.
• Tourism spending reached $1 billion in Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time in 2011. This puts the province well ahead of schedule for achieving the Vision 2020 goal of doubling tourism spending to $1.6 billion annually.
• Since 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $94 million in the tourism sector.

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Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2013 12 23             10:10 a.m.