St. John's Accommodation Sector Reports Positive Growth in 1st Quarter of 2008 PRESS RELEASE April 16, 2008 St. John’s, NL St. John’s Accommodation Sector Reports Positive Growth in 1st Quarter of 2008 Coming off a record year in 2007 the Accommodation Sector in St. John’s is reporting strong growth in the 1st quarter compared to the same period last year. In the 1st Quarter of 2007 members recorded 82,595 room nights sold while in the 1st Quarter of 2008, 88,634 room nights were sold. This represents a growth of 7.3%. Along with a modest increase in average room rates, this resulted in a 9.2% increase in total room revenue collected. The average occupancy finished the Quarter at 49%, up 3% from the same period last year. These numbers are based on statistics submitted monthly to Destination St. John’s by the thirteen major hotels in the city, which represent 87% of the total commercial rooms in the City. Armand Agabab, Chair of Destination St. John’s, says “In this traditional slow period, to see this kind of growth is indeed an encouraging start to the year. If we are able to sustain this kind of growth throughout the year, it will be good not only for our members but also for provincial and municipal governments who benefit from taxes.” Keith Healey, CEO of Destination St. John’s acknowledges that “this growth is attributable to the work of DSJ, its members and to the general economic climate in Eastern Newfoundland. These 1st Quarter results left over $9 Million in room charges alone in the region. When you factor in all the other expenditures such as transportation, meals, shopping etc, the benefits are substantially greater.” For more information contact: Keith Healey, CEO Destination St. John’s 709-739-8898 khealey@destinationstjohns.com 4/18/2008 9:29:34 AM 4/1/2008 5:42:25 PM DSJ_2007_AR_final.pdf DSJ Heads to Ottawa March 31, 2008 St. John’s, NL Destination St. John's Heads to Ottawa Destination St. John's leaves today on a mission to attract more sporting events and meetings to Eastern Newfoundland. Destination St. John's will meet with eleven CEOs of Canada's National Sport Governing Bodies in Ottawa. The focus of the meeting will be to introduce DSJ to those groups and provide an overview of the facilities and capabilities available to host sporting events and meetings. DSJ CEO Keith Healey will lead the mission along with Events Manager Dave Noftall and Sport Newfoundland and Labrador’s Executive Director Troy Croft. DSJ is also pleased that Provincial Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister, the Honourable Clyde Jackman has accepted an invitation to join in on the mission and both he and his Deputy Minister Brent Meade will attend the meeting in Ottawa. CEO Healey said, "this is a key event for DSJ as we believe we have not been attracting enough events and meetings from these groups. With the facilities we have here we should be hosting many more regional, national and international events and meetings from these sports. This mission will be our first concerted effort to make that happen." Healey added, “In addition, many of these events and meetings are held in what is traditionally our off season, adding greatly to their value to the region’s businesses and economy”. DSJ Chair, Armand Agabab said, "while we have hosted a few major sporting events in Eastern Newfoundland in the past, we have to begin to focus on attracting more such events and meetings to the region. They represent a tremendous opportunity to bring large groups to our region adding to the continued successes DSJ has generated over its ten year history." For further information contact: Keith Healey, CEO Destination St. John’s 739-8898 khealey@destinationstjohns.com 4/1/2008 11:46:15 AM Fifth Annual Silver Puffin Awards Presented Destination St. John’s presented the fifth annual Silver Puffin Awards during a luncheon at The Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel on March 28, 2007. These awards were developed to reward front-line tourism employees for service achievement. The winners for 2007 are: Retail: Sonya Pollett, Water Street Heritage Shop Guest Services: Rita Summers, Super 8 Motel Tour Guide: Karen Seaward, Bell Island Mine Tour Server: Jocelyn Ivany, Old Barracks Café & Gifts, Musgravetown Shuttle Driver: Gerry Veitch, Islander RV Sales & Rentals A draw was also held from all those who submitted nominations, and a gift basket of Newfoundland products will be going to the Szalai family of Etobicoke, Ontario. All winners receive a plaque and a cash award of $500.00 3/31/2008 1:28:27 PM Destination St. John's Members Win Awards February 20, 2008 Destination St. John’s Members Win Awards Destination St.John’s members were well represented at the podium during the awards presentation at the 25th annual Conference of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador in Gander. Six Destination St. John’s members received awards: Tourism Business of the Year – Beach House Suites and Atlantica Restaurant, Portugal Cove-St Philips H. Clayton Sparkes Accommodator of the Year Award - Delta Hotel and Conference Centre PRIDE Award – Island View Hospitality Home , Clarenville Norman Parsons Memorial Award – Cantwell House B&B The Cruise Vision Award – Dave Snow, Wildland Tours Doug Wheeler Award – John and Peggy Fisher owners and operators of Fishers’ Loft Inn Mr. Armand Agabab Chair of the Board of Destination St. John’s says that “Destination St. John’s is delighted with their success and on behalf of the Board of Directors I congratulate the members on their good work. These awards are evidence of the quality of the product our members are providing and they show why we are a leading destination for both the business and tourist traveller”. “It is good to see our members being rewarded for their ingenuity, dedication and personal sacrifice to the growth of the tourism industry ”, says Destination St. John’s CEO Keith Healey. “We also congratulate all the Newfoundland and Labrador businesses who won awards at the event”, Healey added. 2/20/2008 12:06:10 PM St. John's Accommodation Sector Reports 2007 as Record Year for Rooms Sold January 11, 2008 St. John’s, NL St. John’s Accommodation Sector Reports 2007 as Record Year for Rooms Sold 2007 was a great year for the Accommodation Sector in St. John’s which recorded its best year in history, with 540,251 room nights sold in 2007. This surpasses the previous record which was set in 2006 by over 36,000 room nights. Average occupancy for the year finished at 64.57%, up almost 4% over 2006, with an average rate of $117.61. These numbers are based on statistics submitted monthly to Destination St. John’s by the thirteen major hotels in the city, which represent 87% of the total commercial rooms in the City, as well as an estimate of sales of other rooms available in the city. According to Armand Agabab, Chair of Destination St. John’s, this increase is attributable to the large events and conferences that took place in 2007 which were up 25% from 2006. “This combined with a great tour and leisure year added to the overall numbers for 2007”, noted Agabab. Keith Healey, CEO of Destination St. John’s is confident 2008 will show similar results, “We look forward to showing continued growth in 2008. Bookings for major meetings and events in 2008 are pacing ahead of the same time last year”. Healey adds, "This continued growth shows the strength of our efforts to attract new business and the quality of our accommodations and the diversity and quality of the products we have to offer throughout the Eastern Region. A hearty congratulations to our staff, our partners and most of all to our members." 2/20/2008 12:03:53 PM New CEO for Destination St. John's St. John’s December 13, 2007 Destination St. John’s Announces New Chief Executive Officer Armand A. Agabab, Chair of the Board of Directors of Destination St. John’s, is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Healey as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Healey has over 30 years experience with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Prior to his appointment with DSJ he was Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic and Corporate Services, with the Department of Transportation and Works. He has also served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Natural Heritage and Recreation with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Assistant Deputy Minister of Trade and Investment with the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, as well as holding senior positions within Treasury Board and the Department of Finance. Mr. Healey has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a Chartered Accountant. "I am delighted that Mr. Healey has accepted the position as CEO of Destination St. John’s”, said Agabab; “I am confident that his experience and expertise in strategic planning and partnerships will bring the organization’s current strategic plan to a new level of success. Keith will continue to build on the partnerships with our industry partners which will be crucial as our organization moves into its tenth year in 2008.” “I’m truly excited to take on this challenge and look forward to working with all partners. Working together I know we can improve the business outlook for all our members,” commented Healey. Destination St. John’s is an industry-driven destination marketing organization whose primary role is to represent St. John’s and Eastern Newfoundland to key travel trade representatives. For more information contact: Mr. Armand Agabab Chair, Destination St. John’s 758-8197 12/13/2007 12:24:01 PM St. John’s in the Hunt for 2009 East Coast Music Awards Following the hugely successful 2004 ECMA’s, former Chair of the 2004 event, John Dicks, is heading to Fredericton, New Brunswick this weekend to convince the East Coast Music Association that the capital city is ready and willing to host again in 2009. The 2004 committee is on Board to ensure that the 2009 conference and awards show will match or even exceed the 2004 event. “We organized a fantastic event in 2004 and we’ll do it again in 2009”, says Dave Noftall, Events Manager with Destination St. John’s. “All members of the 2004 committee were enthusiastic when asked if they would come on board for the 2009 event. Nobody had to be asked twice.” Paul Lannon, who was Sponsorship Chair for the 2004 event, has agreed to chair the committee preparing for 2009. Committee members are confident that the improved infrastructure in the City of St. John’s, combined with an experienced and enthusiastic team, will ensure that we will have no trouble reclaiming this event. Sponsors from the 2004 event have already given their support, including the City of St. John’s, the Delta St. John’s Hotel (Fortis Properties) and Steele Communications. Says Noftall, “ECMA 2009 in St. John’s will once again raise the bar”. For more information contact: Dave Noftall Destination St. John's 739-8895 11/30/2007 9:08:11 AM St. John’s Accommodation Sector Reports Best Month Ever for Rooms Sold 2007 continues to be a great year for the Accommodation Sector in St. John’s which recorded its best month in history, with 52,793 room nights sold in August. This surpasses the previous record which was set in August 2006. Average occupancy was 85.41% with an average rate of $125.87 These numbers are based on statistics submitted monthly to Destination St. John’s by the thirteen major hotels in the city, which represent 87% of the total commercial rooms in the City. According to Kelly Finlay, Director of Sales & Marketing of Destination St. John’s, this increase is directly attributable to the large events and conferences that took place in the month of August, combined with a great tour and leisure month. Events such as Rugby Fest and the Canadian Senior Men’s Softball Championships brought hundreds of participants to the city. Conferences such as the Canadian Auto Workers Union’s Joint Council, Liberal Party of Canada and other smaller conferences contributed to rooms sold with over 2000 delegates in the city during the month. Overall year to date, rooms sold in the accommodation sector for the city is up over 8000 room nights. This is a 3% increase over the same time in 2006 and we look forward to continuing this trend over the next few months. 9/6/2007 2:24:03 PM Destination St. John's Responds to Room Tax Issue May 15, 2007 The Chairman of the Board of Destination St. John’s (DSJ) has responded to comments made by City Council on the issue of who should receive future revenues from the 3% room tax levied on all fixed roof accommodations in St. John’s. Armand Agabab says it is regrettable that the City of St. John’s has chosen to publicly attack DSJ on the issues arising from the Accommodations Tax. “We believe it would have been far more appropriate to address the concerns of the parties in a more businesslike manner with respect for each other’s views”, he said. The position of Destination St. John’s is as follows: The Accommodations Tax, (then called the Tourism Marketing Levy) came about as an initiative of the hoteliers in the Avalon Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Destination St. John’s) to address a $4 million shortfall in funding for the Mile One Centre and the St. John’s Convention Centre. The hoteliers saw a huge need for, and wanted to ensure, a convention centre which would be complementary to their business. The City claims the hoteliers “finally agreed” to the tax but that is not entirely accurate. As stated, the tax was an initiative of the hoteliers, but the application and mechanics of it were an issue of discussion at the time. In 1999 the parties agreed to a percentage tax and a division of amounts as set out in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Province, the City and the Avalon Convention & Visitors Bureau. The tax was to pay the $4 million of financing which the hoteliers pledged and was then to be renegotiated. Because of a decrease in the cost of borrowing and an increase in the amount of tax collected, the $4 million was repaid much faster than anyone had anticipated. ……………./2 -2- The Bureau (now called Destination St. John’s) also took over the responsibility of doing the Tourism Marketing for the City, except for Cruise. The tax was to provide funding to that private sector initiative as well. The city has now received the funds necessary to retire the original $4 million pledge, and in fact has received almost $7 million. The hoteliers, who dealt with the City in good faith, are merely asking that the parties renegotiate the tax as the MOU signed by all three parties specifically and clearly provides. The City says no, the deal will continue as is until 2021 despite the agreement to renegotiate. The City of St. John’s contributes the least amount of marketing dollars to tourism marketing of any city in Canada with a room tax. The tourism industry and our economy are very dependent on the dollars generated by tourism marketing. However, our City is not prepared to rationally discuss this issue because it wants all the funds to offset other budget issues. It wants all the control. -30- Contact: Mike Buist General Manager Destination St. John’s 709-739-8898 mbuist@destinationstjohns.com 5/15/2007 3:58:39 PM Destination St. John's Presents 4th Annual Silver Puffin Awards April 19, 2007 Destination St. John’s presented the fourth annual Silver Puffin Awards today during a luncheon at The Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel. These awards were developed to reward front-line tourism employees for service achievement. Ballots are distributed throughout the Eastern Region, and nominations are accepted from tourists, local residents, and colleagues. The winners for 2006 are: Retail: Krista Dunne (Heritage Shops of Newfoundland & Labrador) Guest Services: Larry Wiseman (Spa at the Monastery) Visitor Information Services: Cynthia Maloney (Southern Bay Tourist Chalet) Server (3-way tie): Courtney Spracklin, Kayla Spracklin and Cathy Mahoney (The Country Corner Café & Gifts, Brigus) All winners receive a plaque and a cash award. Contact: Lorraine McGrath Destination St. John’s Phone: 739-8896 lmcgrath@destinationstjohns.com 3/30/2007 3:27:32 PM AGM-SilverPuffin Awards.pdf 2007 Confederation Cup dates confirmed The ninth edition of the Confederation Cup High School Invitational Hockey Tournament is scheduled to take place February 8-11, 2007 in the greater St. John's area. 11/7/2006 2:02:35 PM Confed. Cup 2007 Release.doc St. John's Mile One Economic Impact Study This report, commissioned by Destination St. John’s, evaluates the gross economic impacts of Mile One Centre and the St. John’s Convention Centre on the economies of the St John’s Metropolitan Area and the province. 11/7/2006 12:07:07 PM SJ Mile One Economic Impact Study.pdf Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Trail Open for Visitors this fall St. John’s, September 6, 2006 – A new momentum has taken hold on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Trail as the President of the local tourism association today announced the launch of a new fall campaign and pilot project aimed at extending the traditional tourism season into September and October. John Fisher, President of the Discovery Trail Association, said its members are ready to welcome visitors to the region as they launch their new marketing program this week. 9/7/2006 1:52:50 PM DTTA_Own_News_Release_FINAL.doc New tourism season extension program announced for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Trail St. John’s, September 6, 2006—A new era in the tourism industry was marked today by the launch of an exciting new pilot project designed to extend the traditional tourism season in the Clarenville-Bonavista region beyond the summer months. 9/7/2006 1:51:47 PM DTTA_Joint_Release_FINAL.doc 2005 Annual Report 5/1/2006 9:22:09 AM AnnualReport.pdf 2004 Annual Report 3/30/2006 6:30:40 PM 2004_Annual_Report_FINAL_COPY.pdf Event Tourism Marketing Plan Announced Mike Buist, General Manager of Destination St. John’s (DSJ) announced today the formation of an Event Tourism Secretariat to attract events to this region. 3/28/2006 3:02:44 PM Event_Tourism_Secretariat_PR.pdf