The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to congratulate Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual award winners.

These awards recognize the outstanding tourism leaders and businesses that make valuable contributions to the provincial tourism industry.

Sullivan’s Songhouse received the Cultural Tourism Award and Kathi Stacey received the Tourism Achievement Award. Both of these awards are sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

Located on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula, Sullivan’s Songhouse welcomes people into a traditional biscuit-box house, twice a week, to celebrate the rich tradition of storytelling and song. Just like a traditional kitchen party, host Sean Sullivan, accompanied by friends and fellow musicians, encourages visitors to participate and ‘give a song,’ if they are so inclined.

Positioning Eastern Newfoundland as a leader in sustainable tourism and a premier destination for travelers, Kathi Stacey created a sense of local pride with her ‘My Town’ television program. She is responsible for the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland partnership with St. Pierre et Miquelon, a new and never before seen partnership that has been an amazing success for both the French Islands and Eastern Newfoundland.

Other notable recipients this year include Kilmory Resort, Grates Cove Studio, Perchance Theatre, Rugged Edge, E.C. Boone Limited, George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast, Fishing for Success, and Ann Simmons.

Please join me in congratulating them on their remarkable achievements. They are all shining examples of the quality of our tourism operations in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Speaker.