Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 112-- The Long Point lighthouse and iceberg interpretive facility proposal atTwillingate- Interpretive panels at selected other iceberg viewing locations, such as at the tip ofthe Northern Peninsula and along the Kittiwake Coast- Perhaps an iceberg reporting system, using digital photos, and making up to dateinformation available through information centres and on a websiteo Build on the Geo Centre capabilities, through events, outreach programs to assistcommunities interpret their own unique geology, guided trips for special interest groupso Fall colour could be a big draw for western Newfoundland in particular, particularly withpackagesSignage is a challenge for tourism products generally, but directional signage to naturalattractions and points of interest is particularly important and needs to be a priority for the future.It should be consistent with the character of the natural attractions.Environmental conservation is a growing issue and threatening the future of this aspect of theprovince’s tourism product. That subject will be addressed in Section 10.Public Sector Facilities and ProgramsThe new provincial Department of Environment and Conservation and Parks Canada are bothmajor sponsors and managers of parks that play a large role as natural attractions. The provincealso manages a number of ecological reserves that are also important attractions for tourists.Budgetary pressures have prevented both levels of government from reinvesting in importantinfrastructure and interpretive facilities, and in maintaining desired levels of interpretation andprogramming. This is extremely unfortunate as these are critical components.In future, it will be important that ways be found to improve on this situation. One of themrecommended later in this section is the establishment of a new agency to provide financialsupport for such non-commercial parts of the tourism product mix. Such an organization couldserve to advocate the funding agenda for such tourism assets with government as well as seek outother sources of funding, for both capital investment and operations.Parks Canada needs to continue to be encouraged to be more proactive in programming,packaging, partnerships with operators and marketing. They are a vital player, but one that hascompeting agendas and demands on its funding. Assisting them with maintaining their focus ontourism is important.Supporting OthersResolving public sector funding is only one of the challenges; another is providing capital andoperational funding support to not-for-profit groups and private companies that provideinterpretation of natural areas as part of their business. An agency could also address this needas well.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study