Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 163 -The criteria here are relatively straightforward (again, these are in addition to normalfinancing criteria):o Significantly improves the appeal and competitiveness of the property in touristmarketso Encourages extended stays in the areaIn all cases, the upgrading should be of a scope and character that it fundamentallytransforms the property in terms of competitiveness.All types of accommodations in all locations in the province would be eligible for upgradingassistance, with the exception of B&Bs that are primarily private residences and don’t meetthe ‘professional B&B’ standards described earlier.In SummaryIn summary, those eligible for development support would include:For New Development or Expansiono Multi season resorts and lodges meeting the test of demand generatoro Smaller resorts, cottage resorts, lodges, country inns, heritage inns, professional B&Bsand unique inns meeting the test of demand influencer and located in a designateddestination areao Any accommodation type that fills a gap that is constraining tourism growth in adesignated destination area/regionFor Upgradingo Any accommodation type in any location, except for B&Bs that don’t meet the‘professional B&B’ standardo A fundamental transformation of the property is requiredExtra credit should be given to projects that fit two or more of the categories, for example, aresort that is a demand generator, demand influencer and also fills a gap in the marketplace.Approach to Dealing with Impacts on Competing PropertiesThe approach described below is an attempt to address the negative impact on other operatorsof supporting new accommodations and expansions.Determining Whether Competitive Impacts is a Valid or Important IssueFirst of all, it is important to address the question of whether the issue of competitive impactshould be an important consideration in dealing with a particular accommodation project. Itshouldn’t be just that one or more other operators object, or just that there are lowoccupancies in the area. There needs to be a more systematic assessment of this question ineach case.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study