Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. That is why the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada are investing in the tourism sector’s businesses and assets.
Today, Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced funding of $300,000 to support the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society, Inc. to implement Phase 2A of its River Trail Master Plan. This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund, which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.
Pam Parsons, Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Works and MHA for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovationn announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $279,478 towards the project.
Thanks to government support for projects like the one with the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society, Canadians and visitors to Canada will be able to experience scenic tourism. This phase of the Manuels River trail development will improve the current walking trails, with an emphasis on maximizing safety, accessibility and the visitor experience.
This announcement takes place in the wake of Minister Joly’s announcement of the new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada’s tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.
The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador generates over $1.1 billion in visitor spending each year, and is responsible for over 20,000 jobs, representing 2,600 businesses. As committed in The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is aiming to double resident and non-resident visitor spending to $1.6 billion by 2020. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The Manuels River Trail and Interpretation Centre is a valued destination in the region, one that has been experiencing tremendous success and growth. Our support to upgrade and expand segments of trail to build upon the coastal experience to the visitor aligns with product development priorities and supports ongoing enhancement of community assets in the Conception Bay South area.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada’s brand, centered on shared values of diversity and equality.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
“Innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities; it happens in all regions of Canada. That’s why our regional development agencies play an important role in helping businesses turn innovation into economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. Through the CEF, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Manuels River is a key tourist attraction in Conception Bay South and is becoming a signature destination in our province – the beautiful trail system and fascinating geological features draw visitors from home and abroad. I am delighted that our government is investing in this trail enhancement project, which will help attract more tourists, enhance visitor experience and boost the tourism potential in this wonderful part of our province.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon
“The Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre is a cornerstone feature for our town and a huge tourism asset. These trails provide our residents and visitors with a strong sense of community and a close connection to nature. Our continued partnership demonstrates the importance of Manuels River in our Town, and we are proud to once again partner on another important project for Conception Bay South.”
Terry French
Mayor, Town of Conception Bay South
“This is an exciting day for Manuels River and our visitors. This funding will allow us to continue to develop a world class trails experience that is safe, accessible and consistent with our values of education, recreation and conservation. With this funding we will be able to extend the east side of the trail to the ocean creating a new key attraction for our visitors.”
Donald G Sword
Chair, Manuels River Natural Heritage Society, Inc.
– 30 –
Learn more
Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Jeremy Ghio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Jeremy.Ghio@canada.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
Maggie Hynes
Town of Conception Bay South
709-834-6500, ext 704
Maggie.Hynes@conceptionbaysouth.ca