For immediate release

June 24, 2020 – Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is encouraged by the announcement made today surrounding the “Atlantic Bubble” without the need for a mandatory 14 day self-isolation period. From the onset, Hospitality NL’s number one priority has been the health and safety of its visitors, employees and communities and it’s encouraging to see Dr. Fitzgerald, NL’s Chief Medical Officer of Health cite that visitors can safely travel back and forth between the Atlantic Provinces and Newfoundland and Labrador in today’s provincial briefing.

The economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador can not be understated. Contributing over 1 billion in spending with over 20,000 jobs in over 2,700 businesses, the tourism industry has been impacted greatly in both urban and rural communities throughout the province – threatening the existence of our heritage and our culture.

“With unemployment rates skyrocketing, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the opportunity to expand our visitor pool and get professional licensed operators back to work,” says Hospitality NL Chair, Steve Denty. “The “Atlantic Bubble” gives our province and its tourism operators a better chance at surviving through what we would consider the greatest long-term tourism economic crisis of this generation. This announcement, in addition to the Stay Home Year Campaign and the possibility of opening other provincial borders in mid-July, will help change the conversation from “not travelling” to “how to travel safely” in a post-lock-down COVID-19 world. Going forward, we must continue to look for bold solutions that will further help support the tourism industry, as mass travel will not restart immediately with the lifting of restrictions. It will take a period of time for consumer confidence to resume.”

The news today is a significant step towards business recovery across multiple tourism sectors. Although it may look a little different, our industry is ready with the necessary training, best practices and protocols to deliver high-quality experiences.

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 opportunities.

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Media Contact:
Shanelle Clowe
Manager, Advocacy & Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
E: sclowe@hnl.ca
P: 709-722-2000 ext. 231
C: 709-325-1040