New federal strategy aims to put tourism at the forefront

The federal minister of tourism used a Prince Edward County Winery as the backdrop to unveil a new national tourism strategy on Tuesday.

Melanie Joly spoke at The Grange Vineyard and Winery in Hillier, outlining the three-pillar plan to bring tourism back to the forefront, by using $58.5 million to enhance tourism products and experiences, through the Canadian Experience Fund.

She says the strategy will empower communities across the country to create jobs for the middle class and showcase what they offer to the world, by meeting some key targets by 2025.

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Joly added those funds would be handed out by FedDev Ontario on a project-by-project basis and gave some examples of what we could see locally.

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Federal Minister of Tourism, Officials Languages and La Francophonie Melanie Jolie, at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, at The Grange Winery in Hillier, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

In focusing on Prince Edward County, Joly says The County is “a beautiful gem and we need to show the world more of it”.

Meanwhile, the owner of The Grange says the new strategy gives her a feeling of hope.

Caroline Granger told the large crowd that she’s excited the government is backing tourism-based businesses and that The County is a shining example to other areas of the country.

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She adds that locally, it’s about continuing to try to link the area and its land, to the experience visitors are offered.

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Owner of The Grange Winery in Hillier, Caroline Granger, speaks at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

You can click here to read more about the federal vision for tourism and click here to read the federal tourism strategy report.

You can also listen to the full remarks from Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Lavender, Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis, Joly and Granger, plus see more photos of the event below.

Full federal tourism strategy announcement speech:

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Federal Minister of Tourism Melanie Joly speaks at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

Chef Albert Ponzo of The Royal Hotel prepares a dish at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

Federal Minister of Tourism Melanie Joly chats with people in attendance at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

A large gathering attends an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, at The Grange Winery in Hillier, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)

Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis chats with attendees at an announcement of the new federal tourism strategy, at The Grange Winery in Hillier, on May 21, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)