Tourism Upgrades Will Enhance Quality of Regional Accommodations

News release

The Wilds Resort and Conference Center renovating guest rooms to improve amenities  

June 21, 2019 – Holyrood (NL) – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

Investing in tourism infrastructure in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada enables businesses to grow, creates middle class jobs and helps build a more vibrant tourism industry. The Wilds Resort and Conference Center is contributing to the growing local tourism industry by upgrading its resort to create better visitor experiences.  

The Wilds Resort and Conference Center is renovating and upgrading guest rooms in its main building to offer higher quality accommodations in the region and contribute to a stronger local tourism industry. This initiative will complement the broader range of tourism attractions in the area, including Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and World Heritage Site, as well as Salmonier Nature Park. 

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a repayable contribution of $275,000 towards this project. 

Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the announcement today.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This approach is in line with the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which will grow and diversify the sector by enhancing and developing unique experiences that attract tourists year-round to all regions of Canada.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to growing the tourism sector to help all regions diversify their economies. Investing in tourism businesses like The Wilds Resort and Conference Center helps stimulate economic growth, creates jobs and contributes to the vitality of communities across the country.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“This region offers visitors memorable, engaging experiences and a chance to explore and connect with nature and local culture. That is why our government is pleased to support modernization and upgrades to tourism infrastructure at The Wilds Resort and Conference Center, which will help improve the quality of tourism offerings in this area and maintain 65 jobs in a rural area.”

- Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As one the largest fixed room accommodators on the Avalon, outside of St. John’s, we believe The Wilds Resort plays a vital role in the tourism industry in rural Newfoundland. In peak season, we employ over 65 staff and we are invested in providing this employment. With ACOA’s support, we look forward to growing our business and employment with our upgrades and new opportunities.”

- Kelly Finlay, General Manager, The Wilds Resort and Conference Center

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is investing $275,000 in this project through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

  • The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations.

  • Since opening in 1997, The Wilds Resort and Conference Center has continued to enhance its tourism operation. Since 2016, the company has modernized its business with front entrance upgrades, pump replacements for its artesian well, improved Wi-Fi and internet coverage, and a new conference center.

Contacts

Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Kelly Finlay
General Manager
The Wilds Resort and Conference Center
709-229-5444
kfinlay@thewilds.ca

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