Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism sector will benefit from strengthened tools and supports 

News release

The Government of Canada continues to support the tourism sector for a strong recovery and future growth

May 31, 2022 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)


The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on Canada’s tourism sector. Despite the challenges, tourism businesses and organizations have shown strength and versatility and have been hard at work to prepare to welcome back tourists by creating safe, diverse products for visitors from around the world, and across Canada.

Government boost for tourism

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a $325,000 contribution from ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) for Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL). This investment will support the organization in delivering strategic initiatives to help tourism operators across the province attract and safely serve visitors as the sector recovers from the pandemic.

This support will allow HNL to focus on advancing its priorities through engaged membership, strategic advocacy, and government relations; strong industry communications and consultation; relevant professional development opportunities; and organizational excellence and sustainability to ensure it remains a resilient association to serve its members.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector, keeping safety as the top priority, while ensuring businesses get the help they need to quickly bounce back and thrive.

Quotes

“As we celebrate Tourism Week in Canada, we’re acknowledging the resilience and determination of our tourism sector. As the economy reopens and people begin travelling again, things are looking brighter for the sector. Atlantic Canada has so much beauty in its varied geography and brilliant cultural diversity. With the support announced today, Newfoundland and Labrador will be better positioned to unlock the region’s great potential, embrace the upcoming tourism season, and show visitors an unforgettable time.”

-        The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Developing and enhancing the tourism sector is essential to the future success of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. As the industry association for tourism businesses, we bring operators and our public and private partners together to make the ground fertile for tourism to flourish. This investment will help the tourism industry plan for the future and identify opportunities for growth to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador remains a destination of choice for visitors for years to come.”

-           Brenda O’Reilly, Chair of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quick facts

  • The tourism sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy. In 2019, tourism generated over $104 billion in revenue and directly employed 692,000 people, including those in underrepresented groups like women, students, racialized people, and Indigenous populations.

  • Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) is a non-profit membership association that leads, supports, and enhances the tourism sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Established in 1983, HNL represents the interests of more than 2,600 tourism-related businesses across the province and is the largest industry association in Newfoundland and Labrador with eight full-time staff and a twelve-member volunteer Board of Directors.

  • Tourism Week in Canada is May 29 to June 4, 2022.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca


Paul McGrath

Director of Communications

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

709-689-5731

Paul.mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca


Greg Howard

Director, Advocacy, Research and Communications

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

709-722-2000 ext 231

ghoward@hnl.ca

Page details

Date modified: