The following statement was read today by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:
Mr. Speaker, today in this Honourable House, I want to highlight our province’s tourism industry.
In a time of great uncertainty, our tourism industry has continued to be resilient, revamping themselves and pushing forward despite being one of the hardest hit industries throughout the pandemic.
Last week brought a renewed sense of optimism with the release of ‘Together. Again’, our plan to safely reopen Newfoundland and Labrador. It has been wonderful to see and hear enthusiasm and excitement from our tourism operators as they begin to prepare to welcome Canadian travellers back to our beautiful province.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you. Thank you to Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, the Premier’s Advisory Council on Tourism, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Tourism Board, as well as all our tourism operators and stakeholders. They have been passionate, determined, and innovative, collectively working with government on a solid path to recovery.
Our tourism industry is a vital, economic driver. Prior to COVID-19, the tourism industry generated $1.14 billion in visitor spending, supporting 20,000 employees and 2,800 businesses. Budget 2021 provides considerable support to the sector including $30 million for the Tourism Hospitality Assistance Program and $13 million for the continuation of the province’s award-winning marketing campaign.
Mr. Speaker, there is a clear light at the end of the tunnel and together, we will rebuild our incredible tourism sector. We are also very excited about our initial plans for Come Home Year 2022, which will benefit the industry and help reunite us.
The work and the tireless effort put forth by this entire industry, is truly commendable. As we prepare to welcome back our family, our friends and new and returning travellers, I encourage everyone to remain resilient, and celebrate being “together again” in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.