The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today released the report of the Premier’s Advisory Council on Tourism titled The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Industry and the Pathway to Recovery.
The 14-member Council was created in January 2021 to provide advice to the Provincial Government on short-term measures to assist with the sustainability, reopening, and recovery of the tourism sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The final report outlines 11 recommendations, which focus on: reopening of the province for travel; air access requirements; the importance of tourism marketing and consistent messaging; and proposed funding support through federal and provincial programs. There is also a recommendation that focuses on industry owners and operators having designated safe opening plans.
The main objectives of the Council were to develop recommendations for short-term actions and initiatives to support the tourism sector during the continuing pandemic restrictions; to develop recommendations on strategic activities and actions that will support the industry as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed and into the future; and, to provide advice and support to the Tourism Board, for the renewal of the province’s Tourism Vision and Strategy.
Quotes
“The tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. As we advance on the path to recovery, we are grateful for the dedicated efforts of the Council and we thank them for submitting their final report. Both Minister Crocker and I have met with the Council to discuss the contents and recommendations and we will continue to work closely with them on how we move forward in support of our tourism industry.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The work of the Premier’s Advisory Council on Tourism has been vital. It has provided advice that represents a solid step forward for tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our tourism operators need our support and guidance to get them through this difficult time. The collective and important work of the Council will aid in the rebuilding of this significant economic sector. Increased vaccination levels are encouraging and we remain hopeful for this summer’s tourism season.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Our industry is essential to the fabric of this province’s culture, arts and economic vibrancy. We have a pivotal role to play in building a brighter economic future for our province. While this report addresses the immediate needs of our industry for economic recovery, we look forward to continuing our work and contributing to the province’s Tourism Vision and Strategy. Tourism has the ability to be a game changer in our economy.”
Jill Curran
Chair, Premier’s Advisory Council on Tourism
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Learn more
News Release: Premier Furey Establishes Tourism Advisory Council
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Jill Curran
Chair, Premier’s Advisory Council on Tourism
709-754-6666
jill@maxximvacations.com