Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 286 -° Raleigh – consider proposals for development and programming that will celebrate thearea’s cultural heritage including restoration, fishing heritage learning vacation,° Car rental capacity in St. Anthony including ability to do drop off hereGros Morne National Park and its communities – primarily Rocky Harbour/NorrisPoint at present; (Woody Point, Trout River and Shallow Bay have future potential)Gros Morne National Park is a major demand generating attraction for Newfoundland andLabrador with national and international market recognition. Product offer includes a rangeof sightseeing, touring and outdoor adventure activities as well as interpretive programs,wildlife and the Gros Morne Discovery Centre. The surrounding communities provideaccommodations and other visitor services. The area is experiencing strong demand (andappears to be at capacity in terms of accommodations) during the peak tourist season anddemand remains strong into September. The Gros Morne Theatre at Cow Head isincreasingly popular with over 11,000 visitors in 2003 up from 1,300 in 1996.This area has seen an increased supply of accommodations over the past four or five years.However, our research indicates a shortage of accommodation in this area during the peakseason, as well as a gap in terms of high quality, demand-influencing style accommodation.As well, several other reports, as well as interviews conducted with tour operators as part ofthis study, have identified the lack of a high quality, four star plus property suitable for groupsand adventure travellers as being a key need and opportunity for this region, and a constraintto developing new, higher end markets for this area.Suggested Tourism Development Ideas Worthy of Further Considerationo Re-profiling of Visitors Centre at Gros Morne National Park into a visitor centre for thecomplete Viking Trail (Rocky Harbour)oMajor shoulder season festivals - late September/October as a first priority, possiblyaround Thanksgiving. Themes might include - Arts? Nature? Theatrical involvingTheatre Newfoundland and Labrador. Spring themes might include - Moose in May -tracking, learning, photographyo Implementation of key elements of the Norris Point Waterfront development plan -quality inn with restaurant; RV park, marina, walking tours, conservation of Fishermen’sCove, community interpretation; interpretation programs at Marine Sciences facilityoooooooDevelopment of fall conference/workshop market - packagingEnhanced live interpretive program on Western Brook Pond tourNorris Point to Woody Point Car ferry or Water TaxiEvening activities – music/entertainment/storytellerMore diverse/better quality food and beverage serviceEnhance the visual appeal of Rocky Harbour as a tourist communityExtend the season of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador at Cow HeadCorner Brook/Marble Mountain/Humber ValleyThis area is well-established as a destination with a mix of accommodations and other visitorservices in Corner Brook, and winter activities at Marble Mountain as well as snowmobiling.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study