April 9, 2019 – Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, is pleased to host a Tourism Town Hall session today in Bonavista, providing an opportunity for the local tourism industry to engage with national tourism organizations and better understand efforts being made on national tourism issues. The Tourism Town Hall series is an event partnership between the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada, and local industry partners, Hospitality NL and Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland. Series sponsors include the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Air Canada, WestJet and UnionPay International.

“2018 was the best year on record for Canadian tourism, with arrivals reaching 21.13 million!” says Hospitality NL Chair, Larry Laite. “Tourism generates 745,300 jobs in communities across Canada and contributes an estimated $102.5 billion to the economy. Newfoundland and Labrador plays an important role in the Canadian tourism industry and we are looking forward to using this Town Hall session to engage in meaningful dialogue with some of our national tourism partners.”

Town Halls allow owner-operators to provide first-hand input on issues affecting their business and the tourism industry such as labour, marketing, cost competitiveness and access. They also provide a front-line forum exposure for governments, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada and event sponsors to engage with small and medium-sized business owner-operators across Canada.

“This in an important opportunity for local tourism businesses to engage with representatives from national organizations and to share our provincial perspective on the future direction of the industry,” adds Laite.

Following the Town Hall session, attendees will hear from Sharon McLennon, Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) who will share insights on the research projects undertaken by the Centre, as well as helpful strategies for workforce development.

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial tourism industry association for over 35 years, is dedicated to advancing growth in tourism through advocacy efforts, skills and knowledge development and membership and networking opportunities.

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Media Contact:
Melissa Ennis
Manager, Policy & Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
E: mennis@hnl.ca
P: 709-722-2000 ext. 231
C: 709-227-1863