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Market Readiness Subsidy Program

Introduction and Background

The Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy “A Special Place A Special People “, noted that we have a special place and special people that are fundamental to our appeal as a tourism destination. Research has shown that in addition to the need for attractions and activities there is also the need to provide the best products and services possible. How we treat our clients and how we maintain a sense of place that is pristine, attractive and sustainable all contribute to the image that is Newfoundland and Labrador.

The consultant identified several strategies for product development in the province. The need for upgrading and enhancing market readiness by investing in education, best practice missions, programs and workshops and other initiatives to enhance the quality of tourism products and services.

To ensure the tourism sector has reasonable access to important training and professional development programs the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, under the Product Development Division is providing a subsidy program for costs associated with participation in programs approved by the department.

Objective

This program is designed to assist tourism stakeholders in enhancing the quality and market readiness of their tourism services, businesses and products. Market Readiness is the creation and delivery of memorable, value added, high quality products and experiences that meet and exceed the expectations of visitors.

Eligible Programs

• Best Practice Missions - missions to other destinations designed to expose operators to successful development and marketing models. Primarily offered by Tourism Atlantic.
• Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST) - programs focusing on experiential travel, marketing and sustainability.
• Bonavista Institute of Cultural Tourism – programs focusing on professional development, assisting tourism operators and cultural providers in delivering world class visitor experiences.
• Other initiatives that address market readiness for industry participant’s maybe considered, subject to approval by the Department of Tourism Culture and Recreation.

This program provides a 25% subsidy for one of the above programs once per year for one business or organizational representative.

Eligible Participants and Requirements

• Private sector operators – owners, managers or senior personnel-not for front line staff.
  • Must meet all regulatory requirements (Licensed under the Tourism Establishment Act and Regulations)
  • Must be in business for a minimum of one year and/or operated for at least one season
• Non-commercial/not for profit organizations – DMO’s, Zonal Boards, municipalities and other entities undertaking initiatives that will directly benefit tourism in the province.
  • Must be in good standing
  • Participants from these organizations will be expected to communicate their experiences and knowledge to tourism stakeholders in their respective regions.

Level of Investment

For approved programs, the department will contribute up to 25% of eligible costs. Applicants are expected to contribute at least 25% of total eligible costs. In kind contributions will not be accepted. Depending on the program (for example, Best Practice Missions, GMIST and Bonavista Institute of Cultural Tourism) an additional 50% subsidy could be received from federal government sources.

The allowable subsidy is a maximum of 25% up to a total for one event of $2500.00. The maximum government subsidy from all levels of government is not to exceed 75%.

• Eligible costs include: professional services, meeting expenses, travel expenses and registration fees.
• Ineligible costs include: Capital and operating costs, industry participation time.

Application Process

All applicants must complete this request for funding “form” before they are eligible to receive the subsidy. Your application will be reviewed and upon approval, you will be notified in writing.

Refund Process

Complete the expense claim that was enclosed with your approval letter within 30 days of travel and forward with copies of your receipts to the attention of:Eva Trickett for processing. ejtrickett@gov.nl.ca , Fax: (709) 729-0474 Eligible Participation:

Program Inquiries

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