Enhancing the visitor experience in Gros Morne
News release
More than $1.6 million aimed at increasing and enhancing visitor experiences
May 17, 2024 · Gros Morne, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Stunning ocean vistas, vibrant communities, diverse cultures and amazing outdoor experiences; Gros Morne has it all.
The Government of Canada is helping tourism operators in the park and reinforcing its position as a global destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.
Federal investments boost regional tourism potential
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total federal investments of $1,629,144 for three tourism-related projects in Gros Morne.
The Gros Morne Co-operating Association Inc. received $1,216,865 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to implement the Seven Corners project in the Gros Morne National Park area. This initiative combines views and storytelling through a series of interactive installations and structures that encourage exploration and nature-based activities.
Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Inc., a charity dedicated to preserving local history, received $87,279 through the ICF to enhance and interpret the area’s significant cultural heritage sites for the purpose of offering more authentic cultural experiences to visitors.
Norock Associates Ltd. (BonTours) received a $325,000 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) to undertake a variety of improvements to its dock and ticket building at its boat tour operation in Bonne Bay. This will improve the efficiency of embarking and disembarking tourists from the vessels while also increasing the space and comfort for guests waiting for tours.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to build on regional strengths and create new opportunities for businesses and communities to grow and thrive – now and into the future.
Quotes
“Gros Morne welcomes more than half the visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador each year. We see explorers, adventurers and new storytellers each and every day from all over the world. These investments today are making sure we are ready to showcase the authentic experiences and unparalleled natural attractions in our area while supporting our communities and local businesses.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Gros Morne Co-operating Association is working with communities in Gros Morne to form a regional partnership to focus on tourism development. This project is the first for the new partnership and one that highlights each town’s natural and cultural uniqueness.”- Colleen Kennedy, Executive Director, Gros Morne Co-operating Association Inc.
“With ever-increasing numbers of travellers visiting the Bonne Bay area who are seeking unique ocean experiences, this project will allow us to improve and enhance our tour operations and the visitor experience. We are pleased that, through this project, we will improve accessibility for all visitors, provide a convenient and comfortable welcome area for our guests and increase and improve docking facilities for cruise ship passenger arrivals. This will contribute to increased visitation to the area and tourism growth in the region.”- Reginald Williams, President, Norock Associates Ltd. (BonTours)
“The impact of funding from ACOA will enable us to offer our visitors even more authentic, holistic, and cultural tourism experiences that are geared toward ‘Telling our Stories’. As a museum and a festival, we enhance the visitor experience through the exposure we give to local folklore in telling our stories both orally and musically. Operating and maintaining the Dr. Henry N. Payne Community Museum & Crafts, we present an extremely welcome introduction to visitors of the local history of our community and area. This is a testament to the long-term commitment energy and dedication, borne by the fact that we expanded our activities outward from our museum into the full-fledged Gros Morne Fall Festival.”- Glenda Reid Bavis, Chair, Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Inc.
Quick facts
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Today’s announcement took place during the official opening of the new Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre, which is part of a $12-million investment by Parks Canada.
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The Norris Point small craft harbour was also re-opened today after major upgrades.
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Cow Head is the most northerly settlement in Gros Morne National Park, on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula.
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BonTours (Norock Associates Ltd.) is a family-owned tradition established in 1975, located in Norris Point on the western coast of the island of Newfoundland.
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ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) supports projects that build the economies of communities in Atlantic Canada.
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Through the Business Development Program (BDP), ACOA funds new ideas to get them off the ground and helps existing businesses and non-profit organization that fuels business growth get to the next level.
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Atlantic Canadian tourism businesses and organizations seeking to expand and access new markets can also visit ACOA’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) page to see if they are eligible for support. The TGP was announced in Budget 2023 as a key component of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. In Atlantic Canada, ACOA will deliver $10.6 million over three years to businesses and organizations to help diversify local economies.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Colleen Kennedy
Executive Director
Gros Morne Co-operating Association Inc.
709-458-3610
Colleen.kennedyyoung@gmail.com
Reginald Williams
President
Norock Associates Ltd. (BonTours)
709-458-2450
Glenda Reid Bavis
Chair
Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Inc.
709-215-7582
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