Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

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Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador calls federal budget investment in Marine Atlantic a good start

St. John’s – Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), the tourism industry association, calls the investment in Marine Atlantic as outlined in the federal budget yesterday a good start but more will be needed in the years to come.

The federal budget provides Marine Atlantic with $175 million dollars over a two year period.

“The existing Marine Atlantic fleet and infrastructure require a major investment in order to fulfill the needs of passengers and cargo now and in the future,” says HNL’s Chair, John Dicks. “An investment of $175 million will allow Marine Atlantic to address the immediate needs for vessels as well as on-land infrastructure. While our association is pleased that the federal government has listened to us and made a substantial investment in addressing the immediate service requirements, investments like these must continue beyond this initial two-year phase. The issues of reliability and customer service still remain and will continue to persist as a problem until further long term investment is made. In order to help Marine Atlantic build a better service and make a long term impact, we need to see these investment announcements continue.”

HNL has been advocating the federal government to continue its investment in Marine Atlantic but in recent months, the immediate need for the investment has never been more evident.

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is the provincial tourism industry association which is dedicated to advancing growth in tourism through advocacy efforts, professional development and membership opportunities.

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Media Contact:
Lynn Taylor, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
P: 722-2224, ext: 22
C: 709-691-0444
E: ltaylor@hnl.ca