Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
July 18, 2017
Investments Announced for Tourism Infrastructure and Business Growth
Business and tourism on the Bonavista Peninsula received a boost today with funding from the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments in Discovery Aspiring Geopark, DIVE Ventures NL Inc. and the Fishers Loft Inn will help develop new tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experiences and support business modernization and growth.
Neil King, MHA for Bonavista, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced a $95,118 contribution from the Provincial Government for Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc. The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a total investment of more than $224,000 for three projects.
Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc. is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $104,412 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. This combined with the Provincial Government’s contribution will be used to further develop the region’s geotourism assets and position the organization to apply for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. The project will focus on five existing sites with geological and cultural significance and involve site development, interpretative signage and training for local tourism operators related to geotourism-based visitor experiences and interpreting geological heritage. The five geological points of interest to be developed are: Fort Bight and Trinity Bight; Port Union and Murphy’s Cove Trail; Elliston-Maberly; The Dungeon; and Kings Cove-Brook Point.
A $70,000 repayable investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program will enable DIVE Ventures Newfoundland Inc. to acquire a rigid hull inflatable boat and related equipment to modernize its tour boat operating business and enhance its product offering. The company offers a whale watching and tour boat service and operates a bed and breakfast with an on-site café and wharf facilities in Trinity, Trinity Bay.
In addition, the Fisher’s Loft Inn in Port Rexton is receiving a repayable investment of $50,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program to expand the company’s marketing activities. The focus will be on driving shoulder season demand, which will improve competitiveness, increase productivity and enhance the potential for business growth. The Fisher’s Loft Inn is rated as a 4.5 star inn and considered one of the premiere, demand influencing properties in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“As committed in The Way Forward, our government is working closely with industry so that by 2020, annual tourism spending by residents and non-residents in Newfoundland and Labrador will double 2009 levels. This investment into Discovery Aspiring Geopark will further develop the region’s geo-tourism assets, and position the organization to apply for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. The Provincial Government is committed to supporting the future growth and sustainability of our communities, and investing in new opportunities for small business.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in projects that spur economic growth, diversify local economies and foster new opportunities for small business in key sectors like tourism. These initiatives will help attract new visitors to the Bonavista Peninsula, encourage longer stays and further strengthen a vibrant and popular tourism destination in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Tourism is an important economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Bonavista Peninsula is one of the province’s leading tourism destinations that draws visitors from around the world because of its stunning scenery, rugged coastlines and historical sites. The Government of Canada’s investments in these initiatives will enable the region to complement the many spectacular tourism products and assets that already exist and create economic growth in rural communities.”
Honourable Judy Foote
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Bonavista is a beautiful district, and I am very excited in how this announcement will help preserve our cultural and natural landscape, and contribute to our thriving tourism industry. The investments from the Provincial Government and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will help encourage Bonavista’s vibrant tourism industry, and contribute significantly to making Bonavista an even more popular tourism destination.”
Neil King
MHA for Bonavista
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Learn More
Canadian Geoparks Network - www.canadiangeoparks.org/main.html 
Fisher’s Loft Inn - fishersloft.com/
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4918, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Nathan Downey
Government Members Office
709-729-3226
nathandowney@gov.nl.ca
2017 07 18 12:10 p.m.