Governments announce investment to support tourism in Elliston

News release

Roots, Rants and Roars festival offers a unique culinary experience and boosts the local economy

August 27, 2019 – Elliston, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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 ten jobs. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in our tourism sector’s businesses and assets.

Today, Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, announced funding of $30,000 to support Tourism Elliston as it hosts the 2019 Roots, Rants and Roars festival from September 20-21. This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), also announced $20,000 on behalf of the provincial government for this 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.

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

“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.”
– The 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.”
– The 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

“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.”
– The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“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

Quick facts

  • Tourism represents more than 2% of the total value of goods produced and services provided in Canada.

  • Tourism supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.

  • Regional development agencies are one of Canada’s four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

  • Canada has six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.

  • The Roots, Rants and Roars festival has three key events, including Cod Wars where chefs compete for the best cod dish; The Hike, which includes a hike along Elliston’s rugged coastline and stopping at points along the way to enjoy local cuisine; and The Feast is the final gala event with a seven-course meal prepared by local chefs.

  • This year’s festival features a new initiative called Road to Roots, Rants and Roars. A map of Eastern Newfoundland has been developed to guide visitors to several businesses showcasing Newfoundland and Labrador cuisine beyond the two-day festival.

  • Tourism Elliston is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that promotes tourism and economic development in Elliston. In addition to the Roots, Rants and Roars festival, Tourism Elliston hosts the Bird Island Puffin festival, which takes place each year in July. This festival showcases Elliston as the root cellar capital of the world and home of the much-celebrated puffin.

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Contacts

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
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Marilyn Coles-Hayley
Tourism Elliston
709-476-3003
mcoleshayley@homefromthesea.ca

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