Cabot Celebrations - 500th Anniversary

$2,900,000 in funding has been allocated for Cabot 500 celebrations in the 1996-97 budget.

This includes the $1.2 million in funding for Year of the Arts. Over 78 projects have been approved by the Nfld and Lab Arts Council involving over 1,300 artists and artisans. Projects /events will occur throughout the province in 1997.
Over $2 million has been earmarked for the Town of Bonovista. This money will be used to cover the costs associated with infrastructure improving and upgrading to ensure that the Bonavista area is ready to host the landfall event on June 24, 1997. Considered by many as the initial discovery site, it will be a focal point for many of the visitors expected in 1997.
Volunteer committes throughout the province are continuing to finalize their plans for the many festivals and events that will take place in 1997.
The province expects 60,000 incremental visitors to come to the province in 1997 resulting in an incremental economic return of $20- 30 million for the tourist industry.