Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 97-o Tourism has opportunities and benefits for small businesses and rural communities -many tourism businesses are small and medium sized enterprises - and it is small businessthat provides the bulk of the growth in today's service oriented economies. These smallbusinesses employ people in the rural areas, and in smaller communities.o Tourism is environmentally sustainable and largely non-consumptive - it is a clean, nonpollutingindustry and, if we plan for future growth, we can ensure that we mitigate againstany possible negative impacts.o Tourism helps support amenities used by our local residents - such as restaurants and gasstations, hiking trails and parks.o Tourism is a priority sector for ACOA - as a result, there are opportunities to leversignificant federal funding support for tourism development and marketing initiatives.In conclusion, Newfoundland and Labrador's tourism sector has excellent growth potential, andwill generate increased tax revenues for the province while at the same time providing numerousother benefits. The province is unique, exotic and compelling - and it is gaining increasingrecognition across North America as a "must visit" destination.A significantly increased investment in the provincial tourism budget, including both productdevelopment and marketing, is fundamental to realizing this potential.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study