The Council of the City of Corner Brook has accepted and released the Strategic Regional Tourism Plan (STAR).  At a public meeting of Council on 18 November, Council reviewed and discussed the Strategic Regional Tourism Plan.  The plan outlines strategies to attract tourist visitation and bolster the local tourism economy. The report is now available on the City’s website.

The overarching goal of the plan is to increase tourist visitation and tourism revenue by 25% by 2025.

The plan outlines the following key strategies:

• Building a foundation for strong tourism sector leadership, communications, planning, funding and policy development in the region;
• Enhancing the opportunities for “big nature” and programmed adventure experiences in all seasons;
• Celebrating and preserving the heritage and culture of the region;
• Developing the tourism potential of the Bay of Islands;
• Expanding Corner Brook’s role as the supply base and service centre for tourism in Western Newfoundland and developing tourism capacity in the City;
• Establishing the Lower Humber as Newfoundland’s playground for all ages;
• Fostering a proactive program to mentor new tourism entrepreneurs and provide ongoing support for existing enterprises;
• Enhancing human resource development throughout the regional tourism sector;
• Integrating but distinguishing regional tourism marketing with Gros Morne National Park and with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Council is reviewing the report’s recommendations with the goal of developing an action plan for implementation. “The Corner Brook-Bay of Islands-Lower Humber Valley region offers unique tourism opportunities. Our natural landscape, when combined with our people and culture, provides excellent entrepreneurial possibilities. The STAR report brings into focus what we need to do as stakeholders to make the most of our beautiful home,” said Mayor Parsons.  “I would like to thank the individuals that participated in developing this plan. In particular, I would like to thank our co-chairs Stelman Flynn and Craig Borden for their leadership. Our home is truly the four-season outdoor adventure capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Links

Report: Strategic Regional Tourism Plan https://www.cornerbrook.com/reports-and-publications/

Background Information

The STAR Humber Bay of Islands planning process was initiated in November 2018 and is scheduled for completion by October 2019. The initiative was led by a Regional Tourism Working Group comprised of Industry Stakeholders; Tract Consulting Inc. were engaged as the planning facilitator; and, the City of Corner Brook provided administrative support through its Community Services Office

The key goal of the Project was to develop, through a collaborative process, a tourism plan for the region based upon its strengths and assets.

News Release: Strategic Tourism for Areas Regions (Star) Committee Co Chairs, and Public Consultation Sessions

Funding for the program: $45,000 Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), $21,250Government of Newfoundland and Labrador , and $23,750 from the City of Corner Brook https://www.cornerbrook.com/star-strategic-tourism-for-areas-and-regions/

News Release: Federal, Provincial and Municipal Funding Announcement for Tourism: https://www.cornerbrook.com/2018/08/news-release-federal-provincial-and-municipal-funding-announcement-for-tourism/