Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 35 -quality resort/lodge property in the Gros Morne area (there is no top quality property in thisarea and this is hurting potential demand from high end group tour operators as well as theFIT and adventure market).Local tour operators felt that accommodations in theprovince had improved significantly as a result of CanadaSelect. They also believed that there was a strong need toeducate operators about the needs of the travel trade, andabout pricing, particularly net rates and revenuemanagement.Tour operators offering FIT and small group or specialty tours also had some concerns aboutthe availability of appropriate quality accommodations in various locations across theprovince. Particular concerns were several appealing destination areas that offered a mix ofattractions and activities but were very limited with respect to accommodations, such asBonavista, Twillingate and St. Brides. The result, according to tour operators, was that thesedestinations did not get the overnight business. The addition of quality inns in theselocations was suggested as a need, and an opportunity to generate more tourism activity in thearea.Tour operators indicated that there was a need to “take the B&B sector to the next level ofprofessionalism and standards” and that there seemed to be increasing problems with B&Bproperties that did not have owners living on site. Concern was expressed that some operatorsare attempting to offer (and price as such) a ‘high end’ product but did not have the expertiseto deliver on this level of experience.“For special interest groups, The accommodation dilemma (shortage of appropriatewe need more refinedquality accommodations in the right places) is one of theaccommodation … branded factors in our conclusion that the province has reached or isquality hotels or adventure close to reaching a saturation point with respect to somestyle lodges or resorts” travel trade programs – particularly mid to higher qualitygroup tours and higher end segments of the FIT packagemarket. (Other factors include the shortage of rental cars and the challenges with obtainingappropriate motor coach equipment, discussed later in this section).Consumers: Qualitative Research“Inns with 20+ rooms andgood F&B would be ideal inmany areas – St. Brides,Trinity, Bonavista, Twillingate,Rocky Harbour”The four focus groups held in Ontario with previous visitors to Newfoundland and Labradorexplored issues around accommodations both in terms of availability and quality. Visitorswere generally satisfied with the accommodations they used, and most indicated that they metor exceeded expectations. Accommodations were described as clean, reasonably priced(though some concerns were expressed about prices in St. John’s), first class and excellent.Participants’ experiences with B&Bs elicited the most positive responses with many beingoverwhelmed by the level of hospitality, friendliness and service they received – B&B ownerswere seen to be most helpful in local area activities and events.THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study