N.L. tourism should take advantage of low dollar: Paul Davis
Tourism operators from across Newfoundland and Labrador are in Gander for a conference about how to get people to visit the province, and Premier Paul Davis says the industry should take advantage of the low Canadian dollar.
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador's annual conference had guest speakers, including Davis, discussing the industry.
The premier also unveiled a brand new tourism ad via Twitter, which they plan to roll out on television a little later this year.
The lower dollar means some people in the U.S. will be able to afford a trip to Canada for less.
"It also improves the attraction for tourists who are south of the border to come to our country as well," said Davis.
"So we're hoping that's going to be a benefit to the industry. I'm sure it will be, but to what degree were not sure as of yet."
More work yet to be done
But Rex Avery, with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, said there are important areas the provincial government needs to help with.
"Right now we're having challenges from our municipal partners with them looking at accommodations, which is a huge concern to our members right across this province, and the infrastructure in the province and our marketing money," said Avery.
However, Liberal MHA Stelman Flynn — the opposition party's tourism critic — said while the province's tourism ads are great, there may be some worries.
"It's great that we produce these great ads, but if no one outside of the province is seeing them then they're not much use to us," said Flynn.
The tourism ads will roll out in a matter of months on all platforms, just before tourist season starts in Newfoundland and Labrador.