Ottawa, N.L. give money to expand province’s culinary tourism

Culinary tourism experiences can be found across Newfoundland and Labrador, including O’Brien’s Farm in St. John’s. Funding from the provincial and federal governments aims to help grow and promote the culinary tourism sector. (Mark Quinn/CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador tourism is known for its stunning views and hospitality, but new money from the provincial and federal governments hopes to expand culinary tourism initiatives to build upon and better showcase the province’s food offerings.

The provincial government is giving Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador $246,000 to help the organization’s Culinary Tourism Development Project, aimed at creating a pan-provincial approach to promoting and developing culinary products. The federal government is also contributing $981,000.

“We know there is so much more to that food culture piece of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Gudie Hutchings, federal minister for rural economic development. “Food is a culture of us as a people, but we now have to turn that into better experiences that the visitor economy wants to come and explore and enjoy.”

Jill Curran, owner of Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics and Maxxim Vacations in St. John’s, said the funding allows businesses to move forward with new experiences they want to create.

Curran said people who come to Newfoundland and Labrador are actively seeking unique experiences.

Jill Curran is the owner of Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics and Maxxim Vacations in St. John’s. She says the funding will help businesses strategize on how to bring their offerings to the next level. (Mark Quinn/CBC)

“It actually is so heartwarming everyday for me to hear from visitors that come to the province [about] what wonderful memories they’ve made with their families here. And a lot of it does centre around food and having memorable meals in unique locations,” Curran said.

“All of us want to have the best product available. And we are offering wonderful products, but this is obviously an opportunity to even improve upon it all the time.”

Hospitality N.L. chair Deborah Bourden said the group is delighted to see funding that will make a lasting impact on the province’s economy and tourism sector.

“[It] is not just about promoting food. It is about creating immersive experiences that connect visitors to the essence of our culture, our communities and the natural environment,” she said.

Hutchings — also the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency — also announced the organization is launching Elevate Tourism, a time-limited tourism program to help operators find ways to entice more visitors to the region during the off-season while encouraging residents to stay longer and spend more money.

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