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Industry Canada/FedNor
News Release
FEDNOR INVESTS IN UNIQUE TOURISM PRODUCT
MATTAWA, Ontario (December 5, 2003) - The Honourable Andy Mitchell,
Secretary of State (Rural Development) (FedNor), and Nipissing MP, Bob Wood,
are pleased to announce FedNor funding of $101,520 to NECO, in partnership
with the Mattawa & Area Forestry Committee, to assist with the product
development, promotion and launch of a Global Positioning System (GPS)
treasure hunting activity.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting community-based tourism
initiatives that help develop Northern Ontario’s economy,” says Mr.
Mitchell. “Tourism is a major industry in this region.”
“The tourism industry contributes substantially to the economic growth of
Northern Ontario and the Blue Sky region, and is fostered through
initiatives that provide communities with opportunities to increase
tourism,” says Mr. Wood. “This unique project combines ecotourism, the
application of an emerging technology and the spirit of adventure.”
Northern Ontario GPS Treasure Hunting will engage participants to search out
prizes within hidden caches throughout the region using GPS units, combined
with a bilingual Web site that will provide clues and co-ordinates. The goal
of this initiative is to provide visitors with an experience of discovering
and appreciating the wealth of the region’s forests, attractions, ecology
and heritage.
This project will initiate the launch of the new tourism product and assist
with the costs associated with the development of a bilingual Web site. The
project will lead to the creation of a best practices manual that will
promote the implementation of similar initiatives in other regions, the
development of a marketing plan to attract suppliers and retailers, and
assist in the development and distribution of additional prize caches that
will be strategically placed throughout Northern
Ontario.
“This project represents an excellent opportunity for the Blue Sky area to
enhance its tourism sector through the development of new products through
the use of emerging technologies, that will potentially impact tourism
across the North,” says Caren Gagné, Chair of NECO.
FedNor works in partnership with Northern Ontario economic development
stakeholders, key tourism partners and community organizations to ensure
Northerners enjoy full access to the information and services they require
to be successful.
By supporting the Mattawa & Area Forestry Committee through its programs and
services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous
Northern Ontario.
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To find out more about FedNor, visit us at:
http://fednor.ic.gc.ca
For more information, please contact:
Christine Aquino, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Andy Mitchell,
(613) 759-1085
Paul Denis, Communications Officer, (705) 670-5329 or 1-877-333-6673
490387ne
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