Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 119-Aboriginal and Acadian CulturesThere are opportunities to celebrate and learn about indigenous and ethnic cultures in theprovince. The Inuit, Innu and Métis in Labrador and the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland are allcurrently expressing interest in the tourism industry. Each of them can bring resources to thetable and become important partners in the future development of the industry. The Federationof Newfoundland Indians, for example, is curating an exhibit for the Corner Brook Museum andArchives.The 500 year celebration of French presence in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2004 has beenplanned as a major event that will leave several community legacies in places such as Placentia,Prot au Choix, Croque and La Scie, and will also feature several collaborative projects with St.Pierre et Miquelon.Exporting Our Arts and Culture and the Impact on TourismIncreasingly, the province is exporting elements of its arts and culture through books, choirs,music, films, television shows and visual artists. This is giving profile to the province generally,as well as increasing awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an exciting and unique placeto visit. These features offer a lot more potential for tourism in the future. However, there willneed to be a co-ordinated effort in this regard involving both tourism leaders (marketing andproduct development) and the arts and culture community.Need for Training and CoachingThis sector, and most particularly the community-based groups, need training and coaching onthe ‘how to’s’ of cultural and heritage tourism. Topics would include:o Interpretation – human, and exhibitry/displayso Guidingo Animationo Planningo Managemento Co-ordinationo Finance/fundraisingo Event planningo Volunteerso Marketingo Sponsors and partnershipo Working with the tourism industry and the travel tradeo Skills training – culinary arts, artisansPrograms could be residential, in other words at a campus, offered regionally or online.In addition, more hands-on coaching/mentoring would be an enormous asset to these groups,along with technical support services in actual delivery.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study