Funding announced for four projects across Newfoundland and Labrador
February 24, 2015 – Gander, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA) today announced more than $1.2 million for four projects in support of tourism and culture in the province. The announcement was made as Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador kicks off its annual conference and trade show in Gander from February 24-26.
Hospitality NL’s annual conference and trade show is the largest gathering of tourism stakeholders in the province, providing an opportunity to network with industry leaders and gather valuable information affecting tourism in the province. The organization is receiving an investment of $400,000 for a two-year project to advance the interests of the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hospitality NL will focus on identifying strategic priorities, developing and enhancing partnerships with key stakeholders, and growing the membership by delivering high quality programs and services.
The Fortune Head ECO Friends Inc. is receiving more than $278,000 to enhance interpretive exhibits and educational programming to attract new visitors to the Fortune Head GEOLOGY Centre. The new exhibits and programming will incorporate science and technology to continue to educate, promote and preserve the significant fossil find at the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve. The funding also supports improvements to the Horsebrook hiking trail, including signage, interpretation and programming to provide visitor access to an outcrop of fossils at Fortune Brook, as well as the development of an outdoor classroom.
In Rocky Harbour, over $498,000 in support will enable the Gros Morne Cooperating Association to continue work with regional stakeholders to implement the next phase of the Gros Morne Cultural Blueprint. This initiative is focused on taking a collaborative approach towards product development and marketing the region as a cultural and experiential tourism destination.
The Town of Norris Point is receiving more than $116,000 to expand and enhance its tourism infrastructure through the development of an integrated trail system throughout the community, as well as the enhancement of the Neddies Harbour Marina.
Quick Facts:
- Hospitality NL, the voice of the provincial tourism industry, is one of the largest industry associations in the province, representing more than 2,400 tourism operators.
- The Fortune Head GEOLOGY Centre originally opened as the Fortune Head Interpretation Centre in 2006, and expanded in 2011. In June 2015, the doors will reopen with an enhanced look featuring creatures throughout geologic time in a variety of exhibit galleries.
- The Gros Morne Cooperating Association is a not-for-profit organization that works closely with Parks Canada and community stakeholders to support and supplement the protection, preservation, interpretation, and development of the natural and heritage resources of Gros Morne National Park.
- The Town of Norris Point is in the heart of Western Newfoundland's booming tourism region and is well-equipped with natural landforms, adventure activities and a relaxing small-town feel that attracts tourists.
- The Government of Canada is providing support for these initiatives through ACOA’s Business Development Program and Innovative Communities Fund.
- Today’s announcement is another example of how Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy is encouraging product development and investments in Canadian tourism assets and products.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to investing in tourism and cultural initiatives that generate economic development and strengthen community infrastructure in rural areas. We are pleased to support these projects as they provide a strong link between tourism, cultural industries and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Today’s investments by the Government of Canada come as great news for the tourism and cultural industries in our province. The projects will enhance our ability to celebrate the unique cultural heritage that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer while driving economic growth and employment and helping to build a sustainable tourism industry, especially in rural communities throughout the province.”
- Rex Avery, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Leslie Rossiter
Manager, Policy and Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2000
lrossiter@hnl.ca
Linda Collier
Business Development Officer
Fortune Head ECO Friends Inc.
709-832-3031
fhef@bellaliant.com
Colleen Kennedy
Executive Director
Gros Morne Cooperating Association
709-458-3610
Colleen.Kennedy@pc.gc.ca
Jennifer Samms
Town Clerk/Manager
Town of Norris Point
709-458-2896
info@norrispoint.ca
