Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 3, 2015

Tourism Industry a Major Contributor to Province�s Economy

Province Celebrates National Tourism Week

May 31 through June 6 marks Tourism Week across Canada, an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous social and economic value of the country�s tourism sector. During the week, national and provincial tourism industry leaders showcase the economic impact and social benefits of the tourism and travel sector.

�Newfoundland and Labrador has become a tourism destination that other jurisdictions emulate and we have seen a level of success that has led to increased visitation and fostered a vibrant industry. With more than 18,000 jobs in the tourism industry, I am pleased to see that our non-resident visitation has grown steadily over the past several years, and that the Provincial Government�s strategic investments have firmly established Newfoundland and Labrador as a premiere tourism destination. During Tourism Week let us celebrate our successes and recognize the hard work of our industry partners, our operators, and the men and woman who work in communities across the province in hospitality and tourism.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

With over 2,500 travel and tourism businesses in the province, 83 per cent of which are small businesses, tourism is a fundamental part of the Provincial Government�s continued focus on promoting economic growth and diversification. The awareness of, and interest in, Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination is at an all-time high, and the province�s tourism advertising campaigns continue to capture the imagination and attract new visitors. Budget 2015 includes a $2 million increase to the tourism marketing budget, bringing the total budget to $13 million for this year.

�Tourism week is about celebrating the value of the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and acknowledging the innovation and hard work of tourism operators and partners that are working together to build a sustainable industry. Our collaborative approach is attracting strong private investment throughout the province, which is producing diverse opportunities for economic development and employment as well as enabling our province to be a competitive tourism destination.�
- Rex Avery, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed more than 1.5 million non-resident visitors from 2012 to 2014. During that time, residents made more than 10 million trips throughout the province. Employment in the tourism industry represents approximately eight per cent of total jobs in the provincial economy, making the industry a significant part of building and sustaining the province�s regional economy.

QUICK FACTS

• May 31 through June 6 marks Tourism Week across Canada, an opportunity to celebrate the social and economic value of the country�s tourism sector.
• Employment in the tourism industry represents approximately eight per cent of total jobs in the provincial economy.
• The number of non-resident automobile, air and cruise visitors travelling to the province reached an estimated 507,901 visitors for the period ending December 2014, an increase of two per cent over 2013.
• Between 2009 and 2014, non-resident visitation has increased by 22 per cent, while non-resident tourism spending has increased 36 per cent, reaching $491 million in 2014, the highest level of non-resident spending ever in the province.
• Tourism statistics can be found by visiting www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/stats/index.html.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Leslie Rossiter Manager of Policy and Communications Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-2000 ext. 222 lrossiter@hnl.ca

2015 06 03                              10:25 a.m.