Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

Members in the News

Members in the News Details

American Bus Association Names "St. John’s Time" one of North America’s 100 Best Events for 2008 - October 16, 2007

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced St. John's Time has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. "Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of "Destinations Magazine", indicates that St. John's Time offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travellers from around the world", said ABA.

The St. John's Time is an "umbrella" event July 31 - August 10, comprising of four of the City's major events: The George Street Festival, The Royal St. John's Regatta, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, and the Downtown St. John's Buskers Festival. The concept began two years ago by the City's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture with the idea of tying together high interest events under this umbrella festival concept, thereby being placed on the festivals and events calendar nationally and internationally.

With the release of the American Bus Association's 2008 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of St. John's Time as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for St. John's Time," said Sandy Hickman, Chair of the City's Tourism Committee. "The real news here is that St. John's has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honour gives St. John's an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

ABA's 2008 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected St. John's Time from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

"The annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival organizers are thrilled to be involved with the St. John's Time initiative." Sherry House, Executive Director of the NL Folk Arts Council states, "We look forward to building even more interest in our beautiful city and helping people discover the incredible entertainment presented here."

Ian Chaytor of the George Street Festival states, "The George Street Festival has been an anchor event on the City's calendar and being part of St. John's Time only solidifies this representation and success in years to come."

Gaylynne Lambert of the Downtown Development Commission says, "The Busker Festival is thrilled to be a part of a 'St. John's Time'. We have been involved in the development of this concept from the very beginning and we feel extremely proud that it has grown into the highly anticipated event that it is today, and will continue to be in the future."

Gail Malone, the Royal St. John's Regatta states, "The St. John's Time campaign has proved to be an incredibly effective at marketing the Royal St. John's Regatta as one of its key events!"

The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org. The Signal Hill Tattoo and the NL Folk Festival received this distinction in previous years. In 2006 St. John's Time also won Gold from the International Festivals and Events Association for its print advertisement.

Bernadette Walsh
Special Projects Officer
Tel: 576-8537
Cell: 685-4078
bwalsh@stjohns.ca

or

Kevin Gushue
Manager of Tourism Development
City of St. John's
Tel: 576-8545