Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 121-Criteria for SupportThe kinds of criteria that would apply in evaluating candidates for capital and ongoing fundingsupport would include something like the following (these were developed for the SignatureAttractions of Atlantic Canada program):Character of Eligible Attractionso Natural phenomenono Sightseeing experienceo Historic attraction - historic site, artefact, reconstructed artefact, replica, museumo Cultural attraction - art gallery, cultural heritage experience, cultural entertainment venue andprogramVisitor Experienceo National or international uniqueness and/or significance, and of real interest to touristso A ‘storied= attraction – one that has an interesting story that is retold in an effective fashiono Quality programming - interpretation/animation/entertainmento High standard of natural/historic/cultural integrity - genuine, or accurate representation/recreationo Authentic to Newfoundland and Labrador or to provincial charactero Can be experienced comfortably on foot and/or as part of a specific concentrated/clusteredsiteVisitor Support Infrastructureo An admissions area, with a clear point of arrival and orientationo A defined site with visitor support facilities/services - orientation, interpretation, parkingo Information/reservations services where requiredValue/commitment to the tourism economyo Does packaging for visitor marketso Has destination drawing power - attendance thresholds, and/or Michelin ratingo Open at least 90 plus days/yearo Willing to participate in tourism marketing programs with partnersThe criteria would, of course, need to be customized for festivals and events.Use of VolunteersThe use of volunteers is a good means of involving people who have lived in a community in arole as docents and interpreters. It also can save money, which is of course important and allowprogram to operate for longer hours and for longer seasons. However, there is a science to this inmaking it work successfully over time, so we have included that topic in the suggestedprofessional development programs discussed earlier.There is also the issue of using volunteers at provincial museums and sites, which is problematicfrom a union perspective apparently. We recommend that an effort be made to overcome thisTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study