Investment fuels leadership and innovation in tourism
News release
Federal contribution to assist Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus with feasibility assessment
October 5, 2023 · Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
From breathtaking landscapes, diverse and inclusive experiences and friendly people from coast to coast, it is easy to see why Newfoundland and Labrador is a world-class tourism destination. The Government of Canada is investing in Grenfell Campus, Memorial University to foster innovation and leadership skills in the growing tourism industry.
Exploring strategic tourism leadership
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Grenfell Campus through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide $32,500 in non-repayable funding from the Regional Development Program for this project.
This investment will assess the feasibility of new programming in strategic tourism leadership. The goal of this initiative is to develop a professional program that fosters innovation and equips participants with the skills and experience necessary to excel in leadership positions within the tourism industry.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting tourism development, sustainable economic expansion, and new opportunities for generations to come.
Quotes
“The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is growing. It employs more than 20,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and contributes $1.4 billion to our economy every single year. This investment will equip more people with the skills they need to help tourism operators take advantage of the industry’s potential to benefit our province.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Tourism is a critical employer and driver of economic growth across the province, especially in rural communities. This funding will help Grenfell Campus work towards the creation of an advanced tourism education program, which will enable the next generation of tourism and community leaders to develop the skills required to lead initiatives across the province.”
– The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“As educational leaders, we’re excited by this opportunity to explore the development of programming to meet the needs of the tourism sector – a sector central to our social, cultural, and economic prosperity as a region and a province. Grenfell Campus, Memorial University is the perfect place for this with our strengths in tourism, business, entrepreneurship, a focus on sustainable rural communities, and so much more. This investment will help us chart a path towards cutting edge programming, ground-breaking thinking, meaningful learning and training opportunities for the future of the tourism sector.”
- Dr. Ian Sutherland, Vice-President, Grenfell Campus
Associated links
Contacts
Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Paul.McGrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Brodie Thomas
Media Relations Manager
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248; 709-725-3759
brodiethomas@gov.nl.ca
Melanie Callahan
Communications Manager
Grenfell Campus, Memorial University
709-640-9941