Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 244 -believes that there is an opportunity to develop this area as a more appealing overnightdestination and as a base for exploring this part of the Avalon peninsula. This would require aconcerted and co-operative effort among the various players in the tourism industry, alongwith some character, demand-influencing style accommodation and regular eveningentertainment programming to make it an appealing overnight destination.Suggested Tourism Development Ideas Worthy of Further ConsiderationThese suggestions are in the context of the overall opportunity described above and should beconsidered as part of this effort. Additional accommodation (see later discussion) is afundamental piece of this overall initiative.° Strengthen and expand the theatre program – Baccalieu Players now do a dramatizedwalking tour on Sundays and a dinner theatre on Saturdays in July and August only; forthe area to become more of an overnight destination, an expanded entertainment programwill be required.° Directional signage program, packaging and cross-marketing to link the communities andheritage experiences of Cupids and Brigus, along with the southern part of Trinity Bay° Ongoing development of the Cupids archaeological experience including learningpackages.° Complete the development of hiking trails in the Brigus/Cupids area; and promote withBay Roberts trails which are market ready. This will require a map and hiking guide.Rest of the Baccalieu TrailThe rest of the Baccalieu Trail offers a variety of cultural and natural heritage and outdoorexperiences, including the old Cable Station at Heart’s Content, which is a popular stoppingpoint for group tours. However, most of the tourist activity in the area is of the day trip varietyalthough there is a significant amount of weekend activity drawing from the regional residentmarket. The Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve is a major breeding colony for seabirds andthere are significant demand from tourists to visit this island. However, it is a very sensitivesite and there are also access challenges. The Baccalieu Trail Tourism Association iscurrently looking at development opportunities for the Island that might include technologysolutions (e.g. on-site cameras) as well as educational opportunities and limited tours. withSuggested Tourism Development Ideas Worthy of Further Consideration° Possible projects emerging out of BTTA’s efforts to identify opportunities for BaccalieuIsland. One suggestion is to develop a specialty/high end product for multi-night stays onBaccalieu Island in Lighthouse including educational, scientific and learning programsaround the birds, whales, and icebergs,Irish LoopThis area offers a combination of natural (Witless Bay – Whale watching, seabird viewing,boat tours), outdoor adventure (kayaking, hiking on the East Coast Trail) and historicalattractions (Colony of Avalon) that are largely market-ready along with outstanding coastalscenery. As well, it contains other natural and cultural heritage resources that have potentialTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study