In support of Stay Home Year 2020, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation recently visited several operators who received support from the new $25 million Tourism and Hospitality Support Program. To date, more than 630 approvals have been issued to assist eligible tourism and hospitality operators impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Davis enjoyed all visits with local operators including several who received support from the program including:
- The Glass Station in Rocky Harbour is owned and operated by glass artisan Urve Manual. Inspired by the spectacular surroundings of Gros Morne National Park, this artisan business offers products of exceptional quality.
- Molly Made Fibre Art Studio produces one-of-a-kind, original hooked rugs and knitwear. Located in Woody Point, Molly White’s studio has become a destination for fibre enthusiasts, area residents, and visitors to the Gros Morne region.
- Port aux Basques Marine Excursions is an adventure tourism business that offers recreational fishing, interpretative tours and chartered boat tours.
- Kings Point Pottery is a craft and art gallery that has been operating for nearly 30 years. Over that time, this unique business has been recognized with numerous awards and accomplishments.
The Tourism and Hospitality Support Program allows eligible tourism operators to apply for a one-time, non-repayable contribution of either $5,000 or $10,000, dependent on gross sales. In the event of applicants with less than $10,000 in annual sales in 2019, the contribution rate is calculated at 50 per cent of total sales, or 50 per cent of expenditures for new start-ups. Updated details about the program can be viewed online.
Through the Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan, the Provincial Government aims to increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador tourism experiences.
Quotes
“The Tourism and Hospitality Support Program is one part of a mix of supports required by operators at this challenging economic time. We recently amended the eligibility criteria for tourism-related retail operations, tours, and transportation categories, so even more small businesses can avail of this one-time, non-repayable contribution. I encourage operators to review the eligibility criteria and reach out to the department.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Assistance from the Tourism and Hospitality Support Program has help cover some of our fixed costs this summer. Most of our customers in the past originated from central Canada and the United States. Covid-19 relief funds are helping to dull the sting of a slow season for our company.”
Mandy Ryan Francis
Owner, Port aux Basques Marine Excursions Inc.
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Learn more
Tourism and Hospitality Support Program
Port aux Basques Marine Excursions
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Mandy Ryan Francis
Port aux Basques Marine Excursions
709-694-0563
info@pabme.ca