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 10 jobs.
Today, the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced $20,000 to support Tourism Elliston as it hosts the 2019 Roots, Rants and Roars festival from September 20-21. Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced $30,000 for the project.
Thanks to our government’s support for projects like this one with Tourism Elliston, Canadians and visitors to Canada will be able to experience unique opportunities in culinary tourism. The Roots, Rants and Roars festival is a two-day event that showcases Newfoundland and Labrador’s food, chefs, food producers, farmers, wine and its rich culture and heritage. This premiere event plays a key role in attracting visitors to the Bonavista Peninsula beyond the traditional summer tourism season.
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.
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.
Quotes
“Support for fall season festivals and events, such as Roots, Rants and Roars, helps to facilitate the development of tourism experiences, services and attractions. This investment allows operators to stay open beyond our province’s peak tourism season, providing additional opportunities for visitors to experience and explore Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“This investment will help Tourism Elliston to ensure the continued success of its Roots, Rants and Roars festival and attract more tourists year-round. Our government is committed to helping 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, centred 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
“Our government is pleased to support Tourism Elliston in hosting the 2019 Roots, Rants and Roars festival. This fun-filled event has become a key tourist attraction on the Bonavista Peninsula drawing people from around the world who want to experience our culture, food, music and scenery. Investing in initiatives like this one is helping to further develop our province as a culinary destination and boost tourism during the shoulder season.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“The funding that Tourism Elliston has received from both levels of government to support the Roots, Rants and Roars festival is imperative to its long-term success. Roots, Rants and Roars has grown to be one of the top culinary events in the province and is a major contributor to the local economy during the fall shoulder season. In July 2019, the UK Daily Mail identified Roots, Rants and Roars as one of the top culinary festivals in the world – the only one listed in this distinguished group from Canada. Tourism Elliston is very proud of this local event, which has grown into an international experience.”
Marilyn Coles-Hayley
Chair, Tourism Elliston
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.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
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Marilyn Coles-Hayley
Tourism Elliston
709-476-3003
mcoleshayley@homefromthesea.ca