The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation issued the following statement today:

“COVID-19 has impacted our province on many levels. And we know that businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador have faced significant challenges since the onset of the global pandemic. One of the industries hardest hit has been the tourism and hospitality sector.

The thousands of registered and licensed operators in this industry create investment and employment opportunities, build stronger communities and diversify our province’s economy. These operators provide a significant contribution to our unique and vibrant tourism and hospitality sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their hard work and dedication have built up this vital industry and now more so than ever, they need to be supported.

It was recently announced that non-essential travel within and around the province can occur in Alert Level 3 as part of our plan ‘NLife with COVID-19’, which is exciting news after the unprecedented times we have been living in the past few months. It is anticipated that we will move to Alert Level 3 on Monday June 8, which will create a variety of opportunities for residents to get out and move around and enjoy our beautiful province. In the coming weeks, we will be launching an exciting new marketing campaign with the sole focus on vacationing, right here at home.

I encourage residents to start making their plans, to experience the sights and sounds of our local attractions located in every nook, bay or cove. By vacationing in-province, residents will provide direct support to registered tourism businesses such as local shops, restaurants and our many licensed accommodators, such as local hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and lodges. There are many of these businesses that have seen bookings reduced by 100 percent due to travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask people to understand the importance of supporting local, registered and licensed operators and to express the importance of supporting this industry and all those businesses registered with Newfoundland Labrador Tourism.

The people in this industry connect us to this place, our roots, and to our culture. This summer, our friends, neighbours, and families need our support, and they need us to vacation at home.”

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