Tourism offers a taste of Newfoundland and Labrador
News release
Federal, provincial governments invest to help Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador expand tourism offerings
October 18, 2024 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
From fresh seafood caught from the Atlantic Ocean to foraged ingredients found along coastal trails to incredible protein and produce from local farms, Newfoundland and Labrador offers visitors a unique and immersive culinary experience. The Government of Canada, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is investing to help expand and promote the region’s culinary tourism offerings.
Investments helping to expand culinary tourism
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a non-repayable federal investment of $981,000 to help Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador promote and develop culinary experiences in the province.
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, also announced a contribution of $246,000 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
This project will help promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more – and boosting year-round tourism revenue everywhere in the province.
Elevating Tourism in Atlantic Canada
Minister Hutchings also launched Elevate Tourism - a new, time-limited initiative to help private sector (commercial) tourism businesses attract more high-impact, value-driven visitors from outside Atlantic Canada. Nearly half these visitors are looking for trips that give them an elevated experience. The repayable initiative will help businesses develop high-quality products and experiences that reflect Atlantic Canada’s unique character and offerings.
For more information about Elevate Tourism and eligibility criteria, please see the associated links below.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of local agriculture and food systems and to helping Atlantic Canadian tourism operators develop fresh approaches and innovative ways to grow their businesses, all while creating meaningful jobs and world-class experiences that bring visitors to its shores.
Quotes
“A food experience brings us together – across our cultures, across communities and across countries. Culinary tourism gives visitors another experience in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have unique flavours, talented chefs and cooks and our famous hospitality. So from festivals to fishing, foraging, farming and breweries and more, we have something for everyone.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is working to foster a culinary tourism ecosystem that supports local communities, preserves cultural heritage and creates economic opportunities to advance the tourism sector. Through this project, the province will build on its reputation as a culinary destination and encourage community building and sustainable economic development while also encouraging regional partnerships.”- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“The kitchen tables of Newfoundland and Labrador have been welcoming folks from far and wide for centuries. Sharing the bountiful wit, charm and humour of the people of the province around these tables has become legendary across Canada and the World. Today’s announcement recognizes the importance of not only who is around those tables - but what is on those tables. This investment in the Food & Beverage industry of Newfoundland and Labrador will enhance the edible experiences that are offered across the province and be a catalyst to elevate the level and diversity of the human hospitality that we are so known for.”
- Chef Todd Perrin, Food and Beverage Representative, Board of Directors, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
Quick facts
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Food tourism focuses on exploring a destination through its local food and drink offerings, while providing visitors with experiences centered around culture, culinary traditions and local ingredients.
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The federal funding announced today is delivered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investments are delivered through the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology’s Regional Development Fund.
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Since the pandemic, investment in tourism in Canada has recovered to 98% of its level in 2019, compared to just 88% in Atlantic Canada.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Brodie Thomas
Media Relations Manager
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 709-725-3759
Craig Foley
Chief Executive Officer
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2000
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