Gander, NL –This morning, the province’s tourism industry association opened its 3-day long annual Conference & Trade Show, themed “Stronger Together”, at the Quality Hotel and Albatross Hotel in Gander. Over the next few days, industry leaders, government officials, and special guests will attend various educational sessions and networking events. With over 300delegates, this annual Conference & Trade Show is one of the largest industry conferences in the province.
“With the recent release of Vision 2026, the Newfoundland & Labrador tourism industry is optimistic to regain its footing in this new post-COVID-19 reality, ”said Hospitality NL CEO Craig Foley. “The events at this year’s Conference have been designed to equip tourism operators with the tools needed as Vision 2026 is brought into action.”
The Conference opened with the AGM, where Hospitality NL discussed learnings from the previous year and ushered in two new Board members: Robbie Hickey of Gros Morne Adventures, Larry Laite of Steele Hotels, and new Board Chair, Deborah Bourden. Deborah is co-owner/operator of several tourism businesses in Twillingate, including the award-winning Anchor Inn Hotel and is a passionate promoter of Newfoundland and Labrador as a unique tourism destination.
“I’m so pleased to take on this new role as Chair and look forward to doing my part to strengthen our industry with the collaboration of our membership.”
This year’s conference will feature an exciting line-up of events, including a fireside chat with Federal Minister of Tourism and Association Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault, the Advocacy in Action Panel, moderated by Gudie Hutchings, Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the 2023Tourism Excellence Awards Gala, where the industry will celebrate the province’s exceptional tourism operators, employees, and partners who’ve made a positive difference in the industry.
Celebrating its 40thanniversary in 2023, Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador is the provincial tourism association, representing tourism interests, taking action on behalf of tourism businesses, and fostering positive messages to help the industry grow and prosper.
*Missing from photo: Ed English
Media Contact:
Anna Kean
Director, Advocacy, Research, and Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador
709-722-2000 ext. 231
akean@hnl.ca