Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

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Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador pleased with Provincial Investment in Tourism

St. John’s – The tourism industry association, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), is pleased with the provincial government’s investment in tourism as outlined in the 2009 provincial budget.

The budget included various positive allocations directly and indirectly related to tourism. In his speech, Minister Kennedy acknowledged the contribution made by tourism to the province in stating that “tourism is one of our province’s most important generators of new, export-based wealth, jobs, investment and business development, contributing some $790 million a year to our province’s economy.”

The tourism highlights of the provincial budget include:

• A $1 million dollar increase to the tourism marketing budget to bring the annual tourism marketing budget to $13 million.
• An initial investment of $479,000 has been allocated to support the introduction of the Tourist-Oriented Directional Signage (TODS) model, a highway signage system that will be implemented throughout the province.
• $150,000 will be provided to extend the tourism season in two of the provinces regions, the Discovery Trail and the Viking Trail/West Coast.
• Destination Labrador will receive $150,000 to promote Labrador in key national and international markets, to assist tourism operators to attract more clients, and to help visitors receive top quality services and experiences they expect.
• Support will be given to special projects such as the centennial of Captain Bob Bartlett’s voyage towards the North Pole and the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the colony of Cuper’s Cove.

HNL is particularly pleased to see financial support for the Tourist-Oriented Directional Signage model. HNL Vice-Chair John Dicks comments, “The signage program is one that is desperately needed in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program will allow all roadside signage to have a consistent look and feel that will align with the province’s brand. It will also bring a level of professionalism to the roadways as all signage will have to comply with the program guidelines. The signage program is a big undertaking but we are delighted that work can now begin on this project.”

Also included in the budget were a number of indirect allocations that will also have a positive impact on tourism. $277 million dollars will go towards transportation infrastructure and the $32.5 million dollars has been allocated for the completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway. Mr. Dicks states, “The interests of the tourism industry are vastly intertwined with those in various provincial departments. As an industry, we depend heavily on transportation networks, so we are delighted when attention is given to such areas.”

Minister Kennedy also spoke about the collaboration with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador in developing Uncommon Potential: A Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, which will guide the province’s future investment in tourism.

A complete copy of Uncommon Potential: A Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism can be viewed at www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/publications.htm.
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Media Contact:

Lynn Taylor, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
P: 709-722-2224, ext: 22 or 1-800-563-0700
C: 709-691-0444
E: ltaylor@hnl.ca