Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 135-The Green Bay Trail Guide provides an outstanding example of a high quality marketing piecefor trail users. Something of like quality would be an asset for other regions.Motorized TrailsSnowmobile TrailsSnowmobiling is an important part of the winter tourism economy in Western and CentralNewfoundland, and Labrador in particular. While the major market is provincial residents, thatis still tourism, and there is a growing level of interest in extra provincial markets as well. Thepotential in external markets is somewhat limited, and there are other outstanding snowmobilingsystems in competing provinces, notably New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.Generally there are widespread trail systems and management program in place in these threeregions. What is needed now is more packaging and marketing by outfitters, targeting both inprovinceand other Canadian market segments involved in this activity. This is particularlycritical if snowmobiling is to be marketed as part of winter activity packages – rental equipment,clothing, guides, route maps, etc. are all essential elements of the experience for these markets.T’railwayThe provincial ‘T’railway’ is a 900 kilometre multi-use trail that accommodates motorized users,including snowmobiles and ATVs as well as others. As it is a former railway line, it is moresuitable for motorized users than hikers, the latter generally preferring more varied terrain.There have been a number of ATV groups that have come to the province to use this and othertrails.It has been proposed that the T’railway be upgraded with replacement bridges and made safe forusers, at an estimated capital cost of some $18 million dollars, which could very well be a lowestimate. In addition, there is the issue of annual funding for maintenance, use management andinsurance.This project will inevitably be very expensive, both capital and operating, and it is very unlikelythat the market potential and economic benefits from tourism would come close to warrantingsuch a public investment.Other Multi-use TrailsThe development and management of other multi-use and ATV trails is another possibility,which could have some positive tourism impacts. It is evident that there is growing participationin this activity as well as growing ATV tourism, but the real long term potential for out-ofprovincevisitation is unknown.At the same time, there are some major challenges that have not been adequately resolved to datewith such trails, for example:THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study