From breathtaking landscapes, diverse and inclusive experiences and friendly people from coast to coast, it is easy to see why Newfoundland and Labrador is a world-class tourism destination. The Government of Canada is investing in Grenfell Campus, Memorial University to foster innovation and leadership skills in the growing tourism industry.

Caption: Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, recently announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to Grenfell Campus through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide $32,500 in non-repayable funding from the Regional Development Program for this project.

"The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is growing," said Minister Hutchings. "It employs more than 20,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and contributes $1.4 billion to our economy every single year. This investment will equip more people with the skills they need to help tourism operators take advantage of the industry's potential to benefit our province."

Grenfell Campus understands the importance of supporting tourism development and sustainable economic expansion. The funding will assess the feasibility of new programming in strategic tourism leadership, which will eventually be offered through the School of Arts and Social Science.

"As educational leaders, we're excited by this opportunity to explore the development of programming to meet the needs of the tourism sector - a sector central to our social, cultural, and economic prosperity as a region and a province;" said Dr. Ian Sutherland, vice-president, Grenfell Campus.

The provincial government is well aware that tourism is a critical employer and driver of economic growth across the province, especially in rural communities.

"This funding will help Grenfell Campus work towards the creation of an advanced tourism education program, which will enable the next generation of tourism and community leaders to develop the skills required to lead initiatives across the province," said Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

The goal of this initiative is to develop a professional program that fosters innovation and equips participants with the skills and experience necessary to excel in leadership positions within the tourism industry.

"Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, is the perfect place for this with our strengths in tourism, business, entrepreneurship and a focus on sustainable rural communities," said Dr. Sutherland. "This investment will help us chart a path towards cutting edge programming, ground-breaking thinking, meaningful learning and training opportunities for the future of the tourism sector."