Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 194 -Tourism Business Support FundA five year support fund of around $5 million for tourism businesses is seen as a core, pan-Labrador requirement. The fund would be established and managed by “senior governmentpartners”. Its objectives include the following:" To make money available for “professional service” support (as opposed to capitalinvestment) such as mentoring and marketing advice, to both new and existingbusinesses," To assist existing operators in improving their return on investment, and" To enhance the quality, range and type of tourism products and services available inLabrador.The typical investment is expected to average $35,000 over 3 years, to pay for things such asspecial advisor fees and travel to meet with successful operators.Accreditation/Certification and Quality Management ProgramThe Plan recommends that Destination Labrador co-ordinate the development of acertification/accreditation program to ensure consistent product and service delivery throughoutLabrador. The recommendation came from the conclusion by the team preparing the Plan thatthere is need to upgrade the quality of product and service, including the accommodations sector,throughout Labrador. The proposed program would be extended to occupations, products andfacilities across the industry, including accommodations, guides, restaurants, tour operations,attractions and events. It might therefore be patterned on an industry-wide program such asQualmark in New Zealand.Those accredited would pay a fee and receive marketing benefits such as the rights to aDestination Labrador logo.Objectives of the program include:" To ensure product credibility with travel trade," To promote authentic Labrador products, and" To set standards of best practise for operators in terms of business practise, service levelsand environmental/cultural responsibility.The Plan proposes a “Made in Labrador” Accreditation Program, with development of a Tourismand Hospitality Training Plan for Labrador, to be developed through an assessment of needs andavailable training programs. An important part of the program would be to settle on the bestTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study