Investments Announced for Tourism Infrastructure and Business Growth
News Release
Federal and provincial governments invest in three projects on Bonavista Peninsula
July 18, 2017 – Port Union, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
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.
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. Neil King, MHA for the district of Bonavista, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced a $95,118 contribution for one of the projects.
Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc. is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $104,412 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and the provincial government is providing $95,118 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 (BDP) 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 non-repayable BDP investment of $50,000 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.
These projects build on the federal and provincial governments’ Atlantic Growth Strategy designed to help Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs compete internationally, grow their businesses and create jobs at home.
Quotes
“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 such as 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.”
- The 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 drawing 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 jobs and economic growth in rural communities.”
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“As guided by The Way Forward, our government continues to work to improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador. 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.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“Bonavista is a beautiful district, and I am very excited for 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, District of Bonavista
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Colleen Duffett
Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc.
709-445-5556
discoveryagi@gmail.com
Robert Bartlett
DIVE Ventures NL Inc.
709-464-8902/709-464-3712
Bartlett60@hotmail.com
John Fisher
Fisher’s Loft Inn
709-464-3240
enquiries@fishersloft.com