Mill closures have affected several communities in the interior and province is hoping to kick start tourism in these areas by kicking in some much needed cash.

The province is providing one million dollars to Destination BC for five regional marketing organizations.

Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was on the NL Morning News and explained what the cash is intended for. “This is very specifically to support tourism planning and tourism infrastructure in regions that have been affected by mill closures. It’s very important to us, in our government, that we make sure we’re putting our forestry workers and their families who are affected by the mill closures to the forefront of support.”

Beare said the province isn’t just throwing money around without a strategy. “This funding will specifically help the communities to develop new tourism opportunities. We know that tourism has good, high paying jobs that give residents and families attractive places to work and to live.”

The Minister was asked if the cash is in lieu of previous funding. “No, this is entirely separate. This is something that I can do from my ministry in conjunction with Destination BC and so I know how important it is to support communities all across the province that are looking to diversify their economies and tourism is a great opportunity to do that.”

Beare says they’ve been doing destination development for two years and her ministry has 19 out of 20 destination plans complete.

She says there are many communities in the province that hold great potential for tourism growth.