St. John’s was the most popular stop in 2000 accounting for 17 port of calls and about 50% of the passengers: the remaining stops were shared among 18 communities. Activities during the year expanded to include home-porting: three cruises originated in St. John’s and circumnavigated the Province. In addition to marketing efforts, St. John’s has benefitted considerably in recent years from the widening of the harbour entrance and a refurbishment of the cruiseship pier.
Transportation Infrastructure
Tourism growth is being aided by enhanced transportation infrastructure. Capacity on the Gulf ferry service increased last year with the addition of the HSC
Max Mols. This ferry resulted in more crossings and contributed to an overall increase of 6.5% in passenger traffic. Capacity on the Strait of Belle Isle ferry linking Newfoundland with Labrador also increased through the introduction of a larger vessel, the MV
Apollo. Passenger traffic on this crossing increased by almost 13% in 2000.
The expansion of the Labrador highway system is encouraging tourism growth for many communities along the Southern Labrador Coast. Construction of Phase II of the Trans Labrador Highway is ongoing, and access is now available north to Mary’s Harbour. This phase, scheduled for completion in 2002, will ultimately link communities from Red Bay to Cartwright (a map of this highway is
presented in 2001 Expectations).
|
 |
|
|
| Outlook for 2001 |
 |
Receiving the World, the Marconi centennial celebration is expected to promote continued growth in tourism. |
|
Capacity on the Gulf ferry will increase as the MV
Stena Challenger replaces the HSC Max
Mols. |
|
Record cruiseship visits are expected: 100 port of calls planned; expansion of home-porting expected. |
|
Expansion of the Trans Labrador Highway is expected to provide new growth opportunities. |
|
Additional high-end hotel facilities expected to come on stream. |
|
|
| |
Air infrastructure is also improving with the $48 million renovation of the St. John’s International Airport scheduled for completion in 2002. Renovations include runway reconstruction
(completed), construction of a larger terminal building (including improved international arrival facilities and more commercial areas), and enhanced access and parking.
Receiving the World, Marconi Centennial Celebration
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi receiving the first Trans Atlantic wireless signal from Poldhu Cove, England to Signal Hill, St. John’s. With the theme
Receiving the World: 100 Years of Wireless Communications, the Province will promote Newfoundland and Labrador’s developments and capabilities in the information technology sector, with particular emphasis on global communications.
In addition to an international wireless congress in September, highlights of the celebration will include: a program of public and private sector industry events showcasing the Province’s global profile in advanced technology; education and tourism events; and an exhibit and interpretation program.
|
| |
| |
Photos: PANL (bo1-91); Marconi Portrait, PANL
Marconi, government officials and VIPs on steps at Cabot Tower, Signal Hill, 1901. Insert: Guglielmo Marconi |
|