Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 64 -HNL also offers a wide range of initiatives and programs to its members, including thefollowing:o Professional Development programs, primarily at the operational level including:- Superhost Atlantic hospitality/customer service training- Several seminar and workshop offerings and employee training resources,- Taxihosto Professional Certification for some 20 occupations in tourism and hospitality in bothoperational and supervisory positions, such as Food and Beverage Server and TourDirector.o Mystery Shopper Programo Sponsorship and co-sponsorship of several awards for industry excellence, culturaltourism, supplier of the year, etc,o Provides support to the accommodations rating program, Canada Select and, since 2003,Camping Selecto Provides staff and administrative support to sector associations such as Adventure, Cruise,B&B Country Inn, and Restaurant and Food Services,o Annual conferenceHNL is also involved with the Taste of Newfoundland and Labrador that was first introducedin 1997 with some excellent results. Unfortunately, it wasn’t given sufficient support andresources to become established. Planning has been carried out for over four years andhopefully 2004 will see its re-introduction.Provincial Government ProgramsDepartment of Tourism, Culture and RecreationThe Department supports development of the tourism industry through a series of initiativesin tourism, culture and heritage.o The Strategic Product Development Division is staffed with a Director, a Manager ofOutdoor Products and regional tourism support, including counselling services, aredelivered by three Regional Tourism Development Officers. Services for Labrador aredelivered by the Director of the Labrador Regional Office. The Division also includes aManager of Visitor Services who oversees the operation of seven Provincial InformationCentres, as well as services on two of the Marine Atlantic ferries.o The Culture and Heritage Division and related initiatives encompasses a number ofprograms, including:THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study