Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 63 -In the recently announced Departmental restructuring 6 within the provincial government the“responsible development of the province’s natural resources” was identified as a key part ofthe provincial economic strategy. A new Department of Natural Resources was created andits mandate will be to “maximize the socio-economic opportunities which arise from thedevelopment of our natural resource base, consistent with sound stewardship of the resourcebase”. As well, the Blueprint recognized that “responsible and sustainable development of thenatural environment is the necessary foundation for long-term economic growth. A newDepartment of Environment and Conservation will be created to support this vision …. Inaddition to environmental protection and assessment, the new department will manage waterresources, land, wildlife, inland fisheries, parks and natural areas”.These changes and the recognition of the importance of sustainable development suggest thatnow is an opportune time for the tourism sector to be heard, and to play a key role inintegrated resource management.Concerns were also expressed about the preservation of the built heritage in the province’scommunities and the importance of ensuring that municipalities are aware of the importanceand economic benefits of protecting their built heritage, and have a level of ‘heritage andcultural literacy’. The sustainability and viability of cultural and heritage attractions andexperiences, and the need for some type of classification or grading of the cultural productwas also identified.Preserving cultural traditions was also identified as being critically important to the long termsustainability of the province’s tourism sector.There is also a growing need for municipalities and villages to develop plans that take intoaccount the importance of protecting their heritage and controlling the extent and nature ofdevelopment so as to ensure that communities remain appealing to tourists. Unrestrained andunplanned growth can easily lead to homogenization and overdevelopment, taking away thevery essence of what makes Newfoundland and Labrador appealing to visitors. Managing forthe future has to happen now, before it is too late.Industry Support ProgramsThe tourism industry and its product development and delivery effort is supported by aspectrum of programs offered by its industry association and the public sector, primarily at theprovincial and federal level. The key initiatives are outlined below.Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL)Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is a membership-based organization representingindividuals and businesses involved in the tourism and hospitality industry in the province. Itis the voice of the private sector in tourism and plays a key advocacy role for the industry.6Government of Newfoundland and Labrador New Release, February 20, 2004 Premier AnnouncesDepartment RestructuringTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study