Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 258 -Trinity Bight (Trinity/Port Rexton Area)The Trinity Bight area offers an enticing mix of cultural, natural and heritage experiencesclustered in historic coastal communities and complemented by a mix of quality and characteraccommodations and dining. It has benefited from its proximity to St. John’s and ability toattract weekend demand in the late spring and fall shoulder seasons, as well as from newattractions such as the Random Passage Site and the Skerwink Trail. The extension into thefall of the Rising Tide Theatre program has evidently had a positive impact on extending theseason in this area.Suggested Tourism Development Ideas Worthy of Further Consideration° Continued fall season operation of Rising Tide Theatre possibly with an expandedprogram. Another possibility for consideration is an earlier start to the season in Spring.° Strengthen the programming and special events at Hiscock House/Lester Garland House° Continued development and animation of Random Passage site – add demonstration onbuilding of traditional dories; expand Sundays at the Cape program° Hiking – link and complete existing trails and ensure they are market ready, develop guidebook like the Green Bay one;° Additional dining including for lunch, possibly bistro/café style.° Provide more serviced sites at campgroundsBonavista/Port UnionOther communities on the Bonavista Peninsula are expanding and enhancing their tourismoffer and, as a result, the entire Bonavista Peninsula is becoming a significant tourismdestination. However, there are still some gaps in the tourism product offer that need to befilled before it would achieve Tier 1 status.The Bonavista and Port Union area has developed an appealing mix of attractions includingthe Ryan Premises National Historic Site, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, the Mathew andongoing waterfront development in Bonavista as well as the efforts around the Sir. WilliamCoaker estate and the Fishermen’s Protective Union in Port Union. The Bonavista area is alsoa good place to view icebergs and has both cultural and natural heritage appeals. However, thearea currently has limited visitor services, particularly accommodations and food & beveragemaking it more of a day trip destination for visitors staying in Clarenville or the Trinity area,than an overnight stop.Visitation to major attractions in the area has been increasing, with some 12,000 visitors to theCape Bonavista Lighthouse in 2002, up significantly since the restoration was completed, andover 8,000 to the Ryan Premises. A recent visitor survey at the Lighthouse revealed that 58%of visitors were from Canada, 20% from Newfoundland and Labrador, 16% from the UnitedStates and 6% from overseas. Almost 70% were on their first trip to the area and 63% wereon a day trip to the area. When asked about improvements needed, 18% indicated they werelooking for more/better accommodations and 10% for restaurants.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study