Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 196 -" Principles and policies for the sharing of cultural heritage resources for tourism purposes,and" Budgets permitting, a “core infrastructure of at least five cultural heritage interpretationinitiatives” to be developed within the five-year timeframe of the Plan (locations notspecified), with a Pilot Centre on the North Coast.The term “initiatives” is not defined, but the current consulting team would advise caution in theconsideration of new capital projects in terms of tourism opportunities only. As noted elsewherein this document, tourists more often than not, are looking for innovative programming and“people” experiences more than visits to buildings. There are many ways in which interestingand innovative programming can be delivered. They include outreach programs from existingfacilities (eg, the Labrador Interpretation Centre and web site programming). There are alsosuccessful models from other jurisdictions whereby the story of a people or region is told in aseries of communities, each telling a part of the story in their own, distinctive way.Alternative, Quality Accommodation PlanThe Destination Labrador Plan acknowledges that there is a need to upgrade the quality, expandand diversify the accommodations plant in Labrador. The quality and consistency of servicewere also seen to be “severely lacking and often out of alignment with market expectations”.The Plan calls for Destination Labrador to be a strong proponent for the development of abroader and more value-focused accommodation plant with a stronger Labrador identity (eg,more use of local materials and indigenous design), including seasonal homes in abandonedsettlements and B&Bs/home stays.Cabins or trappers tilts 1 are proposed for specialized tours such as along hiking routes andcanoeing or kayaking routes (coastal or inland). Other jurisdictions have had success withsimilar concepts, such as the hut to hut treks in New Zealand. This concept could also be appliedto other activities such as skidooing or dog sledding.Also recommended for consideration are “ecolodges”, or accommodation that is moresustainable and environmentally friendly than the norm. We see the Cree Village Ecolodge as agood example. It is a high-end lodge built on an island at the bottom of James Bay, Ontario,designed and equipped with the environment in mind, following the environmental conservationethic of the Cree. This includes energy efficient design, organic carpeting, mattresses, furniture,etc. The menu includes traditional food such as caribou stew and fire roasted duck. Dayactivities include canoe rides, boat tours, hiking and biking. Evening activities feature dancinglessons, dreamcatcher-making and entertainment.1 Traditional trappers tilts were rough, temporary shelters (lean-to’s or “tilts”) built a day’s walk apart along the trapline. The sides were made of upright logs or plank, chinked with moss; the roof covered with a combination of logs,boughs, bark or sods. The tourist version would maintain the design features but, obviously, would otherwise caterto bodily comforts more than the original.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study