The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced that the Corporation du Parc de Gros-Cap received two financial contributions totalling $290,000, including one for $155,000 in non-repayable assistance, to improve its lodging facilities, expand the range of activities it offers and promote the site to international tourists.
"Investing in tourism strengthens our regional economies. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to support the Corporation du Parc de Gros-Cap, whose initiative promises to generate significant spinoffs for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine economy," said Minister Lebel.
The organization recently built five, fully-equipped camp-ready cabins-the first of their kind on the archipelago-in response to the growing popularity of this form of high-end outdoor tourism among foreign travellers. The Corporation's project also included refurbishing 10 lodging units in the service pavilion, restoring two covered shelters on the campground site and acquiring three trimarans. With the work completed, the organization proceeded with the redesign of its Web site to reflect these latest improvements and added a new online reservation service.
Founded in 1995, the Corporation du Parc de Gros-Cap operates a 100-site campground and a year-round youth hostel affiliated with the Hostelling International network. The complex welcomes more than 6,000 visitors a year, 80% of them from the Maritime provinces and Europe. By stepping up their advertising efforts and focusing on the promotion of the site's new facilities, the administrators are hoping to increase their occupancy rates by as much as 30% beginning this summer.
This financial assistance from Canada Economic Development was granted through the Community Diversification program and the now terminated Community Adjustment Fund provided for under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further information on the Corporation du Parc de Gros-Cap, see: www.parcdegroscap.ca.
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Sources:
Karina Gagnon
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-368-6048 or 1-866-368-0044
E-mail:
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-923-9209
E-mail:
